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NHL Insider Urges Canucks to Resolve J.T. Miller-Elias Pettersson Situation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 10, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The Vancouver Canucks find themselves grappling with internal tensions between star forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson while navigating the complexities of a competitive playoff race amid endless trade speculation and rumors involving the two players.

TSN analyst Craig Button and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman have both weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the need for clarity and decisive action as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.

Appearing on TSN's "That’s Hockey" on Wednesday, Button called for the Canucks to address the reported discord.

“Whether you want to call it turmoil or drama, the bottom line is, there is something that isn’t right with the Vancouver Canucks," Button said. "We've heard continuously about J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson.

"For the Canucks management, it's about identifying what solutions will allow the team to move forward and move past this situation right now because it's clearly a situation that is not only distracting but harming them with respect to their on-ice play.

“If you want to be successful, you have to find solutions to your problems."

Button highlighted Pettersson’s $11.6 million annual contract and the no-move clause set to take effect on July 1 as factors complicating Vancouver’s decisions.

“What you have to consider is the $11.6 million committed on an annual basis to Pettersson and a no-move clause that kicks in on July 1," Button said. "If you believe that he has the ability to be the player that can turn your team’s fortunes, you’re probably not considering trading him.

“But if you’re not sure--and I'm not so sure they are right now, they have that sense or feeling--your last chance to trade him on your terms comes prior to July 1.”

Friedman echoed Button’s assessment, reporting that the Canucks are actively exploring trade options for both Miller and Pettersson with no clear outcome in sight.

During Sportsnet's "Saturday Headlines" segment, Friedman outlined three possible outcomes: neither player being dealt, one being traded, or both moving on.

“Fans should be prepared for all outcomes,” Friedman said.

Despite the uncertainty, both players have been productive this season, with Pettersson recording 10 goals and 18 assists in 34 games and Miller contributing eight goals and 21 assists in 30 appearances.

The Canucks remain in the Western Conference wild-card race with an 18-12-10 record but already seven points behind the Colorado Avalanche in possession of the first wild-card spot and just one point above the Calgary Flames in the conference standings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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