What seemed to be a promising season for the Vancouver Canucks has been upended amid concerns that two of the team's star players can't get along.
Elias Pettersson's slow start to the 2024-25 season continues to be a massive storyline for the Vancouver Canucks. Through 42 games, the 26-year-old center has 30 points and is on pace to record under 60 points for just the second time in his career.
Here is a complete timeline of the Vancouver Canucks' J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson rift, which has reached a new level.
The Vancouver Canucks signed Elias Pettersson to an eight-year, $92.8 million contract extension in March, ensuring he wouldn’t hit restricted free agency and committing to the 26-year-old as a core piece for the future. Less than a year later, Pettersson is at the center of NHL rumors ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.
Flashback to the 2022-23 season, and the Vancouver Canucks had a decision to make. A crowded salary cap outlook meant that keeping both J.T. Miller and Bo Horvat would be difficult. They needed to pick one to move forward with.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported on Sportsnet's "Saturday Headlines" that Pettersson has informed Canucks management that he "would like to stay" with the team, offering the franchise some clarity on his vantage point.
As the trade deadline draws closer, Patrik Allvin and the Canucks' management group will almost certainly receive more interest in Elias Pettersson
The dust is still settling around the NHL following a massive blockbuster deal between the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, and the Chicago Blackhawks.
One Elias Pettersson is at the center of the Vancouver Canucks' trade drama. The other is a feel-good story and an addition to the NHL's history of players with the same names.
Speaking with Gary Mason of The Globe and Mail, Rutherford acknowledged the quarrel between Miller and Pettersson and elaborated on the difficult situation it puts the Canucks in.
Team president Jim Rutherford has a big task ahead to fix the problems ailing the Canucks, on defense and mending the relationship between Vancouver’s two star players