Breaking the core: J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson, and the trade that shook the Canucks
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
J.T. Miller returns to the New York Rangers after a dramatic trade, marking the end of his tenure with the Vancouver Canucks and a new chapter in his NHL career.
After a fantastic playoff run last National Hockey League (NHL) season, the Vancouver Canucks were looking to make it far once again at the start of this season. A feud, however, between forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson created a whirlwind of events that are leaving the Canucks hung out to dry.
Since then, the Canucks are fifth in the Pacific Division and sit two points below the Calgary Flames, who hold the Western Conference's second wild-card spot. The Canucks went from the top of the Pacific Division to barely being able to string together wins in less than a year. Vancouver Canucks President of Hockey Operations, Jim Rutherford, spoke on the feud and how it is affecting the entire team saying, “When you don't have chemistry, it's hard to be that consistent team because there's too much going on in the room for everybody to concentrate on what they're supposed to do.”
The Canucks have been struggling since the beginning of the season, but the actual downfall of Vancouver started in November. The drama between Miller and Pettersson has never been explicitly stated, but NHL insider, Elliotte Friedman, spoke at an event after the Nov. 17, 2024, game against the Nashville Predators. Friedman said, “They had the Nashville game and whatever happened after that game, and I've heard a couple of different versions, and nobody will confirm it so I'm not gonna say it. But whatever the case was J.T. Miller went on his leave”.
Both Miller and Pettersson have struggled to maintain their usual offensive production this year, no doubt because of this drama. Last season, Miller put up a career-high 103 points, however, after stepping away for personal reasons and missing 10 games in November and early December, he only amassed 39 points. On the other hand, high expectations were put in place after Pettersson signed an eight-year, 92.8-million-dollar contract last March. The 26-year-old Swedish center missed six games in late December and early January due to an undisclosed injury, only putting up 33 points so far this season.
After weeks of trade speculation circulating Vancouver and J.T. Miller specifically, following more of the drama becoming public, the Canucks traded Miller to the New York Rangers. Alongside Miller, the Rangers received defenseman Erik Brannstrom and prospect Jack Dorrington in exchange for forward Filip Chytil, defenseman Victor Mancini, and a conditional first-round pick in the 2025 draft.
The New York Rangers have had an uneven season and are five points shy of a playoff spot. Adding Miller to their roster will give them the dynamic play-making ability they have lacked this season. Miller is also a seasoned veteran in New York, having spent the first six years of his NHL career as a Ranger.
The Canucks are not at a total loss as Chytil will bring speed to the Canucks’ lineup; however, Chytil is known for being a bit injury-prone. Despite that, the Canucks have had their eye on Chytil since the 2017 draft, where the Rangers picked him up. Canucks’ General Manager, Patrick Allvin, spoke on Chytil. He said, “ Getting a center was important for us… I do believe that with the staff we have here, he has more upside. We’re excited to get him in here and to continue working with him moving forward”.
For Vancouver, the challenge now lies in turning the page. Adding Chytil may offer a glimmer of hope, but the team’s ability to regain chemistry and focus will ultimately determine their future. With key players like Pettersson looking to find their rhythm once again, the Canucks’ playoff aspirations are far from over, but they will need to confront their internal struggles head-on.