Time To Blow It Up? Why Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller’s Time with the Canucks May Soon Come to an End

Throughout the Vancouver Canucks' turbulent 2024-25 season, a major storyline has been the simmering conflict between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. The two forwards were, at one point, unquestionably crucial members of Vancouver's core, but now both players have found themselves in trade rumors for several months as the Canucks seem set to shake up the team given their disappointing season thus far.

As the loses pile up for the Canucks, trade speculations have implied that they might not be in management's long-term plans. Although it appears Miller is more likely to be traded, I believe Pettersson will soon follow suit, most likely during the draft this offseason.

There have been ongoing reports and rumors that Miller's time in Vancouver is coming to an end shortly, and the likelihood of this happening sooner rather than later is growing. Miller's fiery personality and age make him a valuable piece for other contenders, so it makes sense for Vancouver to move him and go after assets that help them retool this team. The Canucks have reportedly looked into trade options and want to get this done soon.

However, even if or when a Miller trade gets done, I don't think it's a lock that Pettersson will be here to stay long-term. Pettersson signed an 8-year extension with the Canucks last March, where he will make $11.6 million per year, making him one of the top 5 highest-paid players in the NHL. However, since signing that deal, Pettersson has been far from one of the best players in the NHL. In 41 games this season, he has only 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists), and it's hard to forget his disappointing playoffs last year.

If he doesn't step up his play for the rest of the season, I believe Pettersson's situation in Vancouver will get really interesting, especially around the time the NHL draft rolls around in June. With his no-movement clause scheduled to take effect this summer, the Canucks could look to move him before they lose any leverage. Pettersson is a highly skilled player who could fetch a solid return. If this is the level of play the Canucks anticipate from EP40 in the foreseeable future, Vancouver might try to trade him at the draft for as much as possible in order to free up cap space and start fresh in the locker room for the upcoming campaign.

The Canucks are in a difficult situation. Aside from the 2023–24 season, their core hasn't been able to show consistency, so while they aren't in full-blown rebuild mode, I believe it is reasonable to think that last season may have been an outlier. The controversy involving Miller and Pettersson could be the final straw that forces management to determine whether the Canucks want to move on or not. Miller's trade, I expect, will happen before the deadline, but as the draft draws near, I anticipate that Vancouver will at least give serious thought to a Pettersson deal, especially if they miss the playoffs.

Although it's difficult to let go of players like this, the Canucks could decide they are better off changing their group completely. If Vancouver decides that a complete overhaul is the best course of action, trades involving two of their top stars could be more than on the table.

Time is running out on this season, and if what we've seen from this team continues, Canucks fans should prepare for what might turn out to be one of the most defining six- to seven-month periods the team has had in years.