Tensions between Vancouver Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller have been one of the hotter topics around the NHL, and new rumors aren't cooling things down.
On Hockey Night in Canada's 'Headlines' segment, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman noted that Pettersson wants to stay in Vancouver, and the club wants to keep him. But tension between Pettersson and Miller continued to build, perhaps to a fever pitch.
Friedman explained that though Miller did dress for the Canucks' tilt on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers, he nearly didn't due to trade precautions.
The Canucks were reportedly close on a deal to send him to the New York Rangers, but things aren't moving.
The assumption is that the return coming to Vancouver would have included one of Rangers' defensemen Will Borgen, Zac Jones, Ryan Lindgren, or K'Andre Miller, which would fill one of the top needs of the Canucks.
With all this in mind, Saturday could have marked the final game Miller plays as a member of the Canucks, while it seems very evident that Pettersson will stay in town. It seems like all that drama took something from the performances of both players.
Having played in 38 games this season, Pettersson has recorded a somewhat lukewarm 29 points (10 goals and 19 assists) so far, while Miller managed a few more points in 35 games (31 points from 8 goals and 23 assists).
Trade talk is heating up, and given that there is still tension, the roster dynamics of Vancouver might change sooner rather than later.
POLL | ||
JANVIER 20 | 209 ANSWERS Elias Pettersson Makes his Feelings Extremely Clear on Whether He Wants To Play For The Canucks Do you believe the Canucks will keep Elias Pettersson? | ||
Yes | 156 | 74.6 % |
No | 53 | 25.4 % |
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