It could always be worse if you're feeling low about the New York Rangers right now. The Vancouver Canucks have two-star centers who are among the best players in the NHL. One is an emotional veteran who can contribute with his experience, while the other has the youth and exuberance of a child. Vancouver's problem is these two players seemingly hate each other, and the Canucks are now taking calls on both players as they look for a resolution.
I've talked about the Rangers' interest in J.T. Miller, and that's not new. However, the availability of Elias Petersson is something the Blueshirts should be chomping at the bit to get done. Fresh off a new 8-year, $11.6 million per year extension, Pettersson could be moved by Patrik Allvin and Jim Rutherford as both Canucks coach Rick Tocchet and captain Quinn Hughes have become annoyed at the ongoing conflict between the two in the locker room, and it's affecting the rest of the team.
Based on what Elliotte is saying the team is listening on both JT and EP because the stress of the situation is spilling over to other parts of the organization and both Tocchet and Hughes are tired of it.
— Taj (@taj1944) January 2, 2025
Wow.
New York would have to part with a lot, but this is a former 100-point producer that's on the market. It's rare to see someone of this ilk available ever, and the Rangers know that the chance to fix their offensive issues might have presented itself as this ongoing feud on the other side of the continent. If Chris Drury is opportunistic, he'll pull everything he can to find a fit.
It'll be unlikely. Every reason teams want Pettersson is why the Canucks should keep him. He's just 26, signed long-term, good defensively, unique offensively, and they're rarely ever available. When it comes to it, the Canucks would probably instead retain EP40 and move Miller than move the Swedish centerman and keep the former New York Ranger. Time will show us what happens, but a chance to do something drastic might have appeared. Will Chris Drury sieze it?