Report: Canucks exploring trade market for Pettersson, Miller

The Vancouver Canucks are looking at the trade market for Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller amid a reported rift between the two star centers, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday.

Both players have denied the legitimacy of the feud, with Miller saying "it isn't a thing" and Pettersson adding that "people still try and make shit up."

General manager Patrik Allvin backed Pettersson on Monday but didn't rule out a trade, stating that "anything is possible."

Moving Miller or Pettersson would result in a huge hole down the middle of the ice for Vancouver, as the club has a sizeable gap in talent between the pair and its Nos. 3 and 4 centers, Pius Suter and Teddy Blueger. The Canucks could seek another center in return in any potential trade, but they have other holes in the lineup. A report in December said Vancouver was looking to add a winger and a top-four defenseman. The team also has immediate spots to fill on the blue line, with Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek sidelined.

Pettersson, who's also injured but expected back soon, has drawn criticism since signing an eight-year, $92.8-million extension last March. The 26-year-old struggled in the second half of the 2023-24 campaign and playoffs before managing only 28 points in 34 games this season, a steep drop from the 102 points he posted in 2022-23.

Miller has averaged 94 points per season over the last three years. The 31-year-old has tallied 25 points in 28 games in 2024-25 and missed time earlier in the campaign while taking a personal leave. The New York Rangers reportedly inquired about Miller's availability in November. He's signed through 2029-30 with an $8-million cap hit.

Just one year after winning the Pacific Division title, the Canucks find themselves in a dogfight for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoff race.