Insider: Canucks Hesitant to Make Trade Hurting Contender Status

The Vancouver Canucks are in a tricky situation when it comes to Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. On one hand, the Canucks need both players on their roster to succeed. However, on the other hand, the Canucks are having their locker room and chemistry disrupted because these two players do not like each other. It makes sense that the team would be hesitant to pull the trigger on a franchise-changing trade.

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While the players say nothing is wrong, their head coach Rick Tocchet, captain Quinn Hughes, President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford, and GM Patrik Allvin know there is an issue. However, the dilemma is for the Canucks. They are in the final ward spot in the Western Conference.

With the success of last year and the team getting healthier, management believes the team is still a contender despite taking calls on both players. So what are the Canucks going to do? 

David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period was on TSN Radio in Montreal and explained how the Vancouver Canucks are hesitant to pull the trigger on any type of trade on Pettersson or Miller while being in the playoff mix. 

“I think that’s part of the hesitancy with moving either guy, because I think they feel they’ve got a good window here. And if they’re healthy, and if (Thatcher) Demko is healthy, then I think they feel they can go on a run with at least the group they have on paper again.”

Pettersson and Miller Issue Nothing New for the Vancouver Canucks 

This is nothing new for the Canucks to be dealing with. As a matter of fact, the issue between Miller and Pettersson goes back to their very first season together. However, the team and players seemed to have squashed the beef for the team to be successful. Unfortunately, this season, that is not the case. 

Pagnotta continued:

“This isn’t something that just popped up, this has been on since almost the first season these two guys were together. There was a little bit of animosity there for whatever reason, and it could simply be two different types of personalities that kind of clash. But it escalated, but they were able to contain it as best they could last season and I mean, last year, they thought they had an opportunity to chase the championship as well, a legitimate one.”

He added that the Canucks gave the Oilers a run for the money in the playoffs. They also believe if they can sort out these issues, they can go on a run. “That’s why it’s going to be very difficult for the Canucks management brass to pull the trigger on a deal for either of these two guys, especially in season.”

Are the Canucks Still Contenders?

The Canucks still see themselves as contenders, which means any trade involving key players would require a maximum return. The team continues to explore all options while trying to remain competitive and resolve the Miller and Pettersson issues.

As NHLTradeTalk.com has discussed, the Canucks like to be aggressive, but this is a delicate situation. Unless the right deal comes their way, Vancouver probably does not make a move this big until the offseason. 

Next: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Bedard’s Streak, Celebrini, Canucks Woes