Reported rift between Vancouver Canucks star forwards Elias Pettersson and JT Miller is the biggest story in hockey right now. Rumors are full of speculation from NHL insiders and fans.
Sportnet’s Ryan Dixon posted a variety of potential blockbuster trades involving the Swedish center on Thursday. The Minnesota Wild are a likely potential destination for Pettersson, Dixon argued, given that the Wild have long been in search of a top center to round out their offense.
The analyst also pointed to trade buzz about Minnesota’s current top center, Marco Rossi. The $2.59 million forward’s three-year contract expires at the end of the season.
“Marco Rossi’s name has been in trade rumors this season, just like Pettersson’s. Rossi’s play over the past month or so — 13 points in 12 games, though eight have come over three games — will likely speak quietly to the 23-year-old playing anywhere but the ‘State of Hockey,’ Dixon wrote.
“But if GM Bill Guerin doesn’t think he and RFA (Rossi) are in the same universe when it comes to another contract and there’s a player like Pettersson and his age out there, that could make a move for a great young player like Rossi palatable,” he added. is.
Dixon drew a comparison between Pettersson’s current situation and that of former NHL players such as center Joe Thornton and defenseman Zdeno Chara. He also identifies the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabers and Anaheim Ducks as other possible trade destinations for Pettersson.
NHL analyst picks Elias Pettersson over JT Miller to stay in Vancouver
On Wednesday, sports commentator Sam Cosentino opined that the Vancouver Canucks should be looking JT Miller store but Elias Pettersson. On Sportsnet’s “Hot Topic” panel, Cosentino said Miller should be the one to go. He was also firm in his belief that the rift between the stars could not be mended.
The analyst stated that Miller’s $8 million cap hit, versatility on the ice and solid playoff record make him very marketable. He also said that relieving Miller would allow the Vans to effectively handle the situation.
“I say Miller is the one to go, it frees up Pettersson, it frees up the rest of the room to be more like themselves and it allows the Canucks to push forward,” he said.
Rumors of a feud between 31-year-old Miller and 26-year-old Pettersson have been circulating for eight weeks.
Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
