NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn — Vancouver Canucks stats J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson during a game (image credit: IMAGN)

Bruce Boudreau gives his two cents on possible 'rift' between Canucks' J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson

Modified Dec 20, 2024 15:39 GMT

There has been talk about a possible conflict between Vancouver Canucks players J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. Former Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau shared his thoughts about it and admitted knowing about some past tension between the two players. However, he believes those issues were resolved during his time with the team.

During Thursday's broadcast of TSN's "Overdrive," Boudreau discussed their relationship.

"The easy thing would be to say, ‘Yes, it is a problem,'" Boudreau said. "And I knew they had a little bit of a problem between them before I got there, but I thought that was all straightened out and everything. So I'm hoping it's a coincidence."

Boudreau has coached both players during his stint with the team from 2021 to 2023 and avoided confirming if problems still exist.

Pettersson is in his seventh NHL season and continues to be a key player for the Canucks. He has scored 26 points in 32 games this season. His performance is stronger in wins, with 14 points and a +6 rating. In losses, he has 12 points and a -10 rating. Pettersson’s best campaign was in 2022-23 when he scored 102 points.

Boudreau said that Pettersson’s production often depends on his linemates. Playing alongside J.T. Miller or Bo Horvat has boosted his output in past seasons.

"When he was getting 100 points, (in the) year with me, he was playing the wing with Miller and Boesser, or he was playing the wing with Horvat." Boudreau said, "So I think a lot of it has to do with who he's playing with and how good the rate of a power play is going with him. I'm hoping that it's not a situation.

"I don't want to find out whether they're having a problem with each other. Because I think they're both great players, and I think that it shouldn't be happening. ... Because, like I said you get attached to players when you coach them. And I like both the guys a lot, and I don't want to think that one's a being, a real butt head to the other one. So I'm not wanting that situation."

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Miller is another important player for the Canucks. Last season, he set a career-high with 103 points. This year, he has 19 points in 22 games despite missing time due to injury. Like Pettersson, his performance changes depending on game results. In wins, Miller has 13 points and a +8 rating. In losses, he has six points and a -6 rating.

Boudreau talked about fixing the tensions between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson

Bruce Boudreau said locker room issues, if they exist, should be addressed by the coach. He explained that it is the coach’s job to read the situation and fix any problems.

"If there's a rift in the locker room. I mean, it's up to the coach in all of these situations." Boudreau said, "It's up to him to read the room, and if something is wrong, to fix it and to fix the room and bring the guys in and talk to them about it."

Despite the rumors, Boudreau expressed confidence in Vancouver's overall performance this season. The team has a solid 16-10-6 record. He pointed out that goaltender Thatcher Demko’s improved play could lead to even better results. He added that Miller is a great player who is crucial to the Canucks’ success.

"I hope, J.T. Miller, for example, like when he took his month off. I hope it was, it was for him," Boudreau said, "For him to get back together and I just hope he's back to playing the way he can because he's a great player."

Miller has recorded three assists in five games. His return to last season's form is vital to Vancouver's playoff hopes.