Elias Pettersson & J.T. Miller Need To Get Their Shit Together

After a great season a year ago, the Vancouver Canucks entered the 2024-25 season as one of the top contenders to not only win a division title, but some would even say the Stanley Cup. Instead, they are closer to fighting for a Wild Card position, which is a tough reality for a talented group. There is no doubt that the Canucks have been one of the more injury riddled teams to begin this season, but one of the major elements to their lackluster first half is the reported "beef" between star forwards Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller.

This reported disconnect has become a distraction despite what everyone around the team wants to say, and it is holding the team back. Whether it stems from Miller's fiery personality clashing with Pettersson's more reserved manner, or a deeper issue, it needs to be resolved. When your leaders cannot get along, the chemistry on the ice suffers — and it has already shown. The team isn't meeting expectations, and that cannot continue.

I’m not saying they need to be best friends, but they must put their differences aside for the good of the team. There are countless examples of star teammates who didn’t get along yet managed to set aside personal conflicts to pursue their shared goal of winning a championship.

There have long been rumors of conflict between Miller and Pettersson, but it has never been this public. Miller and Pettersson are too talented for this kind of drama to hold themselves and the team back. Instead of casting side-eyes in the dressing room, the Canucks need these players focused on delivering their best on the ice. If they’re serious about winning, both must set aside their issues, resolve them, and move forward as professionals.

If that’s too much to ask, then GM Patrick Alvin will have some tough decisions to make.

In order for the Canucks to turn their season, return to elite status, and give themselves a chance to fulfill their Stanley Cup aspirations, Miller and Pettersson must take charge, put aside their differences. Otherwise, one or even both may have to go.