NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn — NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared his opinion on Canucks' J.T Miller and Elias Pettersson's future (Source: Imagn)

Elliotte Friedman makes his thoughts on Canucks' J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson's future in Vancouver crystal clear

Modified Dec 24, 2024 09:55 GMT

On Monday's episode of "32 Thoughts," NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman talked about the future of Vancouver Canucks players J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. Friedman made it clear that he believes neither will be traded.

The Canucks had previously dealt with trade rumors surrounding Miller, especially during his leave of absence. However, Friedman mentioned that the Canucks told these teams they didn’t want to trade Miller.

"When Miller took his break, I think there were teams that called the Canucks and asked, 'When he comes back, is he going to stay a Canuck?' And I think the the Canucks basically said, 'We don't want to trade this guy,'" Friedman said.

In wins, Miller has 13 points and a +8 rating. In losses, he has seven points and a -9 rating. He is an impact player for Canucks with years of experience.

The situation with Elias Pettersson also came under scrutiny last season. Despite trade rumors, the Canucks chose not to move him and instead gave him a big eight-year, $92,800,000 contract. Friedman pointed this out, saying:

"And I think that with Elias Pettersson, we all know now, last year, that they could have traded him, and they didn't, and they gave him a lot of money, and so that says to me, by action, that the Vancouver Canucks believe they are a better team with both of those players..."

Pettersson's numbers are stronger in wins, where he has 14 points and a +6 rating. In losses, his numbers drop, with 12 points and a -11 rating.

"And so I think if I was in Vancouver, I would say, nobody's going anywhere," Friedman added.

Friedman made it clear that trade rumors involving these two players should be put to rest.

J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson both lead the Canucks offense

J.T. Miller has been an important player for the Canucks. After a career-high 103 points last season, he has 20 points this year with six goals and 14 assists in 23 games.

Similarly, Elias Pettersson has continued to be a key player for the Canucks. In 34 games, he has scored 24 points, with eight goals and 18 assists. Pettersson’s best season was in 2022-23, when he amassed 102 points.

The Vancouver Canucks have a record of 16-10-7, placing fourth in the Pacific Division with 39 points.