The timing of J.T. Miller's trade was a little bit odd. Miller was dealt from the Vancouver Canucks to the New York Rangers just a couple weeks before the 4 Nations Face-Off. Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin made clear that this upcoming tournament had nothing to do with the timing of the Miller trade.

Michael Traikos of The Hockey News wasted no time in declaring Elias Pettersson the loser in the trade that sent J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. But is that assessment fair?

Vancouver played with intensity and even a sense of joy — in contrast to what fans have experienced most of this season.