NHL News

Make No Mistake, Canucks Will Trade Miller Before Pettersson

When push comes to shove, the Vancouver Canucks will trade J.T. Miller before they’ll trade Elias Pettersson. Why is that the case?

by
Old Prof
January 28, 2025

The Vancouver Canucks seem to be in a state of turmoil. While trading either play will be a loss to the team, the rift between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller appears to lack a solution any other way. One of them has to go, it seems. So, if it comes down to moving one of the two, why would it be more likely that Miller would be the one to go and Pettersson the one to stay?

Reasons Why Miller Will Be the One to Go

There are a few key reasons why.

First, Elias Pettersson has been and still could be the team’s cornerstone. He’s younger, he’s been with the Canucks longer, and the organization has built around him as the future of the franchise. Pettersson is a more natural fit within the team’s structure and doesn’t tend to disrupt the group dynamic.

While his play can sometimes appear slightly more disengaged, he’s still a strong two-way player. He can make smooth plays. At the same time, he can give the team a solid defensive effort. Despite what might seem to be an occasional performance drop, Pettersson is seen as the player who will remain with the team as it moves forward.

On the other hand, J.T. Miller is a more vocal, high-energy leader. His willingness to challenge teammates, get in their faces, and push for accountability has earned him respect in the locker room—but it’s also caused friction. His fiery nature sometimes leads to tension, and it’s clear that everyone doesn’t always embrace his leadership style. While Miller’s competitiveness and all-around play are unquestionable, his relentless intensity might have contributed to some of the internal struggles the Canucks are facing.

When You’re Building a Team, the Canucks Will Pick Pettersson

From a team-building perspective, Miller’s role is less crucial than Pettersson’s. Vancouver is focusing on improving its depth, particularly by upgrading the blue line and adding a second-line scorer. Miller’s long-term contract and significant cap hit could make him a prime trade candidate, especially if it brings back assets that help shore up those needs. Trading him could also free up salary-cap space, providing the Canucks with more flexibility to make moves in the future.

Although the Canucks would consider moving Pettersson, it would take a “hell of an offer,” as NHL insider Dave Pagnotta put it, to pry him away from Vancouver. Pettersson reportedly desires to stay, and the team shares that sentiment. It recognizes him as a key piece of their future. Moving him would create more challenges in terms of optics and team chemistry.

J.T. Miller Vancouver Canucks trade destinations — J.T. Miller Vancouver Canucks

The Bottom Line: Miller Probably Leaves While Pettersson Stays

In the end, both Miller and Pettersson could potentially be moved. However, trading Miller carries less risk of disrupting the foundation the Canucks have been trying to build around Pettersson. The team has more reason to part with Miller, as difficult as that may be, especially compared to the potential fallout of trading their most important player.