Canucks’ Trade Drama Intensifies as Rutherford Declares Rift Beyond Repair

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford has publicly declared that the relationship between star forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson is beyond repair, sparking a flurry of trade speculation as the NHL’s March 7 deadline approaches. The announcement has placed the Canucks at the center of the league’s trade discussions, with multiple teams reportedly inquiring about the availability of both players.

Rutherford’s comments come amid a turbulent season for the Canucks, who have struggled to replicate last year’s success. The team, which nearly won the Presidents’ Trophy and pushed the Edmonton Oilers to a Game 7 in the second round of the playoffs last season, now finds itself mired in locker room drama and inconsistent play. Rutherford acknowledged the rift between Miller and Pettersson, stating that the situation has reached a breaking point.

“It just seems like there is always something going on here,” said former Canucks goaltender Cory Schneider during a TSN broadcast. “Whether it was Bo Horvat’s contract situation, injuries, or Bruce Boudreau’s departure, it’s been one thing after another. Now, this simmering tension between Miller and Pettersson has boiled over.”

Miller, 31, is under contract through the 2029-30 season with an average annual value (AAV) of $8 million. He holds a full no-movement clause, which limits potential trade destinations to U.S.-based teams in the Eastern Conference. The New York Rangers, who drafted Miller in 2011, are reportedly among the front-runners to acquire him. Miller’s versatility as an all-situations forward and his competitive nature make him a valuable asset for any contender.

Pettersson, 26, is in the prime of his career and signed an eight-year, $92.8 million extension last March. Despite his elite offensive skills, his production has dipped this season, and his relationship with Miller has been a source of tension. The Columbus Blue Jackets, with ample salary cap space, have emerged as a potential suitor for Pettersson. “Teams are waiting to see if the Canucks lower their asking price,” said NHL insider Pierre LeBrun.

The Canucks’ locker room issues date back to the 2023 trade deadline when the team dealt captain Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders. The move, which brought in Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Räty, and a first-round pick, was controversial at the time and has since been criticized for its impact on team chemistry. “The rift between Miller and Pettersson has been simmering for years,” said a source close to the team. “It’s a situation that management hoped would resolve itself, but it hasn’t.”

As the trade deadline looms, the Canucks face a critical decision: trade one or both of their star players to reshape the roster or attempt to salvage the season with the current group. With five weeks remaining before the deadline, the hockey world will be watching closely to see how Vancouver navigates this high-stakes situation.