The reports out of Vancouver regarding the “rift” between the Canucks’ two most impactful forwards have been loud.
The Canucks currently hold the second-wildcard spot in the playoff race and sit in fourth place in the Pacific Division standings.
The reported personality differences between the team’s two star forwards, JT Miller and Elias Pettersson, have gotten significant attention throughout the holiday season. Further reports have indicated the Canucks are “weighing all options” when calculating how to move forward.
Are the Vancouver Canucks trying to publicly shame Pettersson and Miller into fixing their issues?@JeffMarek and Brian Burke discussed the turmoil between the two players and how #Canucks management may be using all the tricks to try to resolve it… pic.twitter.com/9o9Z6NHscL
— The Sheet with Jeff Marek (@thesheethockey) January 5, 2025
The “exploring all options” terminology has led to speculation regarding the availability of Pettersson and/or Miller on the trade market.
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Miller (31) has five years remaining on his contract, which has an AAV of $8 million and a full no-movement clause, rendering him difficult to trade as he can hand-select a potential destination, and the return would be minimized.
Pettersson (26), on the other hand, has seven years remaining on his contract, which has an AAV of $11.6 million and an NMC that doesn’t kick in until July 1, 2025.
The Anaheim Ducks organization is familiar with the frustrations of trade “rumors” involving a star forward, so responsible speculation is required when considering the availability of a player like Pettersson.
However, the opportunities to acquire players of Pettersson’s caliber and age are few and far between, especially for an organization like the Anaheim Ducks, who aren’t a top destination for free agents and remain on the outside of the playoff picture.
If Elias Pettersson is available, it may be in the Ducks’ best interest to inquire.
The Fit
Pettersson, like several core pieces in the Ducks organization, is a natural center but can be flexed out to the wing if the lineup requires it.
He’s as offensively gifted as they come and can attack off the rush, cycle, or power play with equal elite potency. He is among the players in the NHL with the highest hockey IQ, consistently diagnosing proper lanes, timing cutbacks, manipulating, and baiting defenders to lean one way or the other to create the most dangerous look possible.
Physically,…