Multiple Teams Lining Up for J.T. Miller and Pettersson as Canucks Weigh Big Moves
In the latest report, it appears that multiple teams are very interested in acquiring both J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks.
For weeks, speculation swirled about a rumored rift between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Both players publicly denied the tension, and Quinn Hughes and Rick Tocchet addressed it head-on, but the chatter wouldn't stop.
Then, candid comments from Canucks GM Patrik Allvin put scrutiny back on the team's bigger picture.
What is clear, though, is that Vancouver will listen to trade calls involving J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson, but their attempts to get better go well beyond those two stars.
The team is exploring options to bring in a top-four defenseman and a mid-six offensive winger.
That has created renewed tension surrounding the Miller-Pettersson relationship this season, which has been frustrating the locker room.
For clarity, there is no guarantee that either player will be traded, although teams like the Rangers, Sabres, Wild, and Red Wings have expressed interest.
But Vancouver is firm: whatever deal that does occur must meet their championship criteria. The Rangers reportedly love Miller but perhaps don't want to include Alexis Lafreniere in any deal.
Likewise, the Buffalo Sabres might not want to part ways with Owen Power and Dylan Cozens to acquire Pettersson.
The Minnesota Wild are willing to talk about Marco Rossi but have cap issues. Detroit doesn't seem interested in moving any of its young core.
With both players locked into long-term deals and neither requesting a trade, Vancouver can afford patience. Patrik Allvin and President Jim Rutherford simply have to make sure any move improves the team and keeps a good dressing room.
The Canucks like getting their business done well in advance of the deadline, but blockbusters of this size don't get rushed.
Down the stretch of a high-stakes conversation, the Vancouver front office is dead set on upgrading the roster without taking a step back from their aspirations for a championship.
Well, this is just another chapter in the Canucks soap opera, and there is little doubt the next few months will keep the fanbase on its toes.
