Theory: Canucks Leaked Miller & Pettersson Rift as Distraction

Former NHL forward Scott Gomez was asked for his thoughts on the drama surrounding J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson and the rift between the two stars. Knowing that in his days as a pro hockey player, he’s probably seen his share of rifts — maybe had some — Andy Strickland wanted Gomez’s take. Interestingly, Gomez shifted the narrative away from Miller and Pettersson and onto the other Canucks players. He suggested someone might have leaked news of a rift to force a resolution or a trade for Miller or Pettersson.

Gomez admitted that personal beef and animosity happen more than fans think. There are plenty of times that two teammates don’t get along. For some reason, this Vancouver issue has gained traction, and the hot hockey market and its media are all over it.

Gomez argued, “Like if this is happening in Jersey, no one cares. No one cares. But in Toronto or Vancouver, these Canadian cities, say so… a lot of it is just built up. Built up.”

Scotty Gomez weighs in on the Pettersson, Miller drama in Vancouver. ⁦@CamandStrick⁩ #Canucks pic.twitter.com/K1j6Rpo2M8

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) January 29, 2025

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Gomez then hinted that these two guys probably do hate each other, but one of the bigger issues might be who leaked it and why.

It’s not like the Miller and Pettersson issues are new. These two haven’t gotten along for some time, according to several reports. But, for some reason, it’s now a major story. So much so, the Canucks feel like they have no choice but to make a trade because the drama has become too big a distraction.

Gomez hinted that someone in the dressing room probably leaked news of the rift to the press. “Who leaked it got out, you’re the guy that you know – and a lot of times, who knows if it is someone else leaking it out, just the fact that it takes pressure off me. I haven’t done anything.”

Was Miller and Pettersson Rift Made the Scapegoat?

Considering the recent struggles of the team and some poor individual performances, it is possible that another player(s) might have decided to shift focus away from themselves.

Gomez noted:

“As long as I get the pressure off me then yeah. The bottom line is we’re losing, and we’re going to blame these two, or, you know like, someone of you guys come out and say, what the hell happened? Because I am getting sick of answering the same question everyday of these two.”

Were the Canucks sick of dealing with Pettersson and Miller and their inability to get along? Gomez posed the theory that by forcing the issue to be addressed, perhaps everyone could move past it.

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“Maybe if there’s a problem, those two guys address it and not joke about it because, as the other teammates, I’m going in the room every day in a Canadian city, and I have to answer what’s wrong with this team, because these two guys whatever supposedly don’t like each other.”

It’s an intriguing theory that, while unconfirmed, would make sense.

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