There is ‘No Good Solution‘ To Fix J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson Feud, Giving Rangers Golden Opportunity

The feud between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson is at the point of no return.

The reported tension between Miller and Pettersson has brought a darkness of constant outside noise and distractions around the Vancouver Canucks.

Now, Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford admitted that he does not see a world where both players remain in Vancouver.

“I felt like for a long time that there was a solution here because everybody has worked on it, including the parties involved... But it only gets resolved for a short period of time and then it festers again and so it certainly appears like there’s not a good solution that would keep this group together,” Rutherford said.

Rutherford feels this whole fiasco will impact the Canucks’ future as the team will have to go in a different trajectory than originally planned.

“As you know, sometimes emotions get deep and as much as people try sometimes you can’t get over it. It certainly appears that’s what’s going on here,” said Rutherford.

“We’re talking about two of our top players. Certainly, our two best forwards. It can really be tough on a franchise – not only present but into the future – when you’re planning on peaking this team into a contending team and then you find out that’s not going to happen. Or at least it’s not going to happen with the group we have now. Then you have to put together a new plan,”

With all of Vancouver’s dirty laundry getting aired out publicly, Miller’s trade value should likely go down, giving the New York Rangers a perfect opportunity to swoop in and acquire him.

The Rangers have been linked to Miller and even reportedly were progressing in trade talks with the Canucks before a deal for the veteran forward fell through.

Rutherford’s comments essentially confirm the Canucks will trade either Miller or Pettersson sooner rather than later, if not both of them.

While there are still hurdles to overcome, the Canucks seem desperate to move off of Miller and the Rangers would be wise to take advantage.