The reported rift between Vancouver Canucks star forwards Elias Pettersson and JT Miller is the biggest story in hockey right now. The rumor mill is full of speculation from NHL experts and fans alike.
Sportnet’s Ryan Dixon floated several potential blockbuster trades involving the Swedish center on Thursday. The Minnesota Wild are a likely potential destination for Pettersson, Dixon said, as the Wild have long been searching for a top center to round out their offense.
The analyst also pointed out trade rumors regarding current Minnesota top center Marco Rossi. The forward’s three-year, $2.59 million contract expires at the end of the season.
“Marco Rossi’s name has been in trade rumors this season, as has Pettersson’s. “Rossi’s play over the last month (13 points in 12 games, though eight came during a three-game warmup) will likely silence talk about the 23-year-old playing anywhere other than the ‘State of Hockey.'” Dixon wrote. .
“But if general manager Bill Guerin doesn’t believe he and the pending RFA (Rossi) are in the same universe when it comes to a second contract and there is a player of Pettersson’s age and ilk out there, that could make a great young piece to move”. like Rossi appetizing,” he added.
Dixon drew a comparison between Pettersson’s current situation and that of former NHL players like center Joe Thornton and defenseman Zdeno Chara. He also identifies the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabers and Anaheim Ducks as other potential trade destinations for Pettersson.
NHL analyst chooses Elias Pettersson over JT Miller to stay in Vancouver
On Wednesday, sportscaster Sam Cosentino opined that the Vancouver Canucks should look to trade JT Miller instead of Elias Pettersson. On a “Hot Topic” panel on Sportsnet, Cosentino said Miller should be the guy. He was also adamant in his belief that the gap between star players cannot be fixed.
The analyst stated that Miller’s $8 million cap hit, on-ice versatility and strong playoff record make him highly marketable. He also said getting rid of Miller would allow the Vans to resolve the situation efficiently.
“I say it’s Miller who goes, that frees up Pettersson, that frees up the rest of the room to be more like themselves and allows the Canucks to move forward,” he said.
Rumors of a feud between Miller, 31, and Pettersson, 26, have been circulating for eight weeks.
Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos.