NHL analyst on who Vancouver should trade between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson – Source: Getty

NHL analyst Sam Cosentino made his stance extremely clear on who the Vancouver Canucks should trade between star forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson during a recent segment on Sportsnet.

The two players have been rumored to have a rift in the locker room, leading to speculation that one could be moved. Both have publicly denied any issues between them.

However, Cosentino firmly believes the relationship is irreparable and that Miller should be the one traded.

“It’s Miller. Miller’s got to go,” Cosentino stated.

Cosentino said, based on their play and alleged off-ice turmoil, the relationship was beyond repair, comparing it to past issues with the Arizona Coyotes.

“It’s a new owner, it’s a new coach, it’s a new GM, it’s a new this, it’s a new that, after a while, that starts to wear on you and it becomes irreparable. And I think, based on some of the comments we’ve heard, we’re in that situation right now.” he added.

Cosentino explained that Miller’s $8 million cap hit makes him movable. He pointed out that Miller is suitable for any team due to his strong playoff performance and versatility in playing winger or center. If a team needs a change in dynamics, he is the ideal candidate for the job.

Reports indicate the Rangers had proposed trading Mika Zibanejad straight up for J.T. Miller, but Vancouver rejected the offer. Cosentino believes New York would still be interested.

“I say it’s Miller who goes, that frees up Pettersson, that frees up the rest of the room to be more like themselves, and allows the Canucks to push forward.”

The other analysts disagreed, saying the Canucks should resolve this internally rather than trading either star.

Ex-Canucks HC Bruce Boudreau dismisses media frenzy over Elias Pettersson-J.T. Miller drama

Talking on the NHL Tonight: First Shift podcast, former Vancouver Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau addressed the perceived tension between star players Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller.

Boudreau firmly pushed back against the media’s portrayal of the situation, describing the local coverage as “nuts” and prone to blowing things out of proportion.

“Because the media in Vancouver is nuts. They take everything, and they build everything out of proportion.”

Boudreau argued that interpersonal conflicts within hockey teams are common, but they rarely translate to a lack of on-ice cohesion. He highlighted the fact that Pettersson and Miller continue to log significant minutes together, over 20 minutes per game, as evidence that their purported rift has been exaggerated.