NHL: Calgary Flames at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn

Canucks HC Rick Tocchet addresses reported rift between JT Miller and Elias Pettersson

Modified Dec 21, 2024 22:23 GMT

While the Vancouver Canucks attempt to defend their Pacific Division title and go on another extended postseason run, there have been reports of rifts in the dressing room between two of the team's most important players.

JT Miller and Elias Pettersson, a pair of Vancouver's top offensive threats, have been reportedly having issues behind the scenes with one another to the point where it's hampering their on-ice production.

Coach Rick Tocchet, aware of the rumors, explained that the bottom line in the organization is playing for the crest on the front of the jersey and not the name on the back.

"Listen, it's all about the crest," said Tocchet. "It's all about as long as I coach, it's always about the crest. It's not about the name on the back. You're going to have arguments. You're going to have fights. I've been fortunate to be Stanley Cup three times, two as a coach and one as a player, and there's always been something that is galvanizing a team, or something like that.

"So whether people are complaining, it happens all the time, and it's my job to make sure that guys have a voice and you move on from sort of stuff."

"But you also have to be mature too. It's not that you have to play PlayStation with them or go to dinner with them, but if it's your turn to go to the net, go to the net. I mean, that's really when it comes down," he added.

The Canucks play the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night at Rogers Arena in downtown Vancouver; the puck drop is at 10:00 p.m. EST.

JT Miller has already taken a leave of absence from the Canucks this season

The Canucks have already been without JT Miller for an extended period this season, as he took a leave of absence from the team for an undisclosed personal reason that he chose not to discuss upon his return earlier in the month.

But he missed several games, a major blow to the offense - especially after he registered a career-best 37 goals and 103 points in 2023-24.

He hasn't scored in the five games that he's played since his return, though he does have five assists.

Miller has skated in 22 games this season, scoring six times while adding 13 assists for 19 total points. In 821 career games, he's scored 244 goals with 414 assists.