Hughes downplays reported Miller-Pettersson rift: 'Family in here'
Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes insisted his club is united despite recent rumors about tension between superstars Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller.
"It's been a lot of learning for everyone in here," Hughes said, per Jeff Paterson of Rink Wide: Vancouver. "Not to beat around the bush, but everyone knows what the reports are out there, but I think that everyone expects a lot from each other. There's times where I get upset with Millsy, there's times I get upset with Petey, there's times I get upset with (defenseman Filip) Hronek. That doesn't mean I don't love those guys, and vice versa."
Pettersson and Miller were Vancouver's most productive forwards last season but have seen their numbers drop off in 2024-25. Pettersson's managed 26 points in 32 games this year after facing plenty of scrutiny for an underwhelming playoffs. Miller has 19 points in 22 contests and recently returned from a 10-game absence for personal reasons.
"I think that both of them have been going through their own struggles this year," Hughes said. "I believe in both of them. I think they're great players, great people. Like I said, there's times where we all get into it, but it is a family in here, and we just got to continue to push forward and play the way we want to play."
Hughes continued, "If there's a positive ... I think both Petey and Millsy would both say they haven't played their best hockey this year, and we're still where we are in the standings."
The Canucks entered Saturday holding the Western Conference's second wild-card spot at 38 points. They've stayed afloat despite the outside noise as well as long-term injuries to Thatcher Demko and Hronek.
Head coach Rick Tocchet believes occasional animosity between teammates is normal.
"It's all about the crest," Tocchet said. "As long as I coach it's always about the crest, it's not about not the name on the back. You're going to have arguments, you're going to have fights. I've been fortunate, I've been to the Stanley Cup three times: two as a coach, one as a player, and there's always been something that has galvanized the team."