The ongoing trade rumors surrounding Vancouver Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller are reportedly influencing the NHL trade market.
According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, the Canucks are still figuring out their options with these two players. Johnston also mentioned that there is a belief around the league that the team might be more likely to trade Miller.
Miller has been playing less than 15 minutes in each of his last three games. Canucks coach Rick Tocchet commented that Miller is struggling and suggested that he needs to improve his focus.
Johnston also pointed out that Miller has a no-movement clause in his contract. Although Miller himself is not keen on the idea of being traded, it is believed that he might waive the clause for the right team.
Some have mentioned the New York Rangers as a possible destination for Miller, as he started his NHL career with the Rangers. A recent report stated that the Rangers may have offered Mika Zibanejad in exchange for Miller, but it is unclear whether Zibanejad would waive his no-move clause to make the trade happen.
Pettersson, on the other hand, does not have a no-trade clause this season. However, his $11.6 million average annual salary for the next seven years makes him harder to move compared to Miller, who has a cap hit of $8 million. Still, Pettersson’s name has come up in trade discussions recently.
For now, the situation remains uncertain, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Meanwhile, in Buffalo, Sabres center Dylan Cozens continues to be part of trade rumors as the Sabres struggle in the Eastern Conference standings. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported that the Calgary Flames are one of many teams interested in the 23-year-old Cozens. The Flames have been actively searching for a right-shot center under 25 years old.
Although there have been recent reports saying the Sabres are not looking to trade Cozens, it’s worth remembering that Sabres GM Kevyn Adams denied trade rumors about Casey Mittelstadt last year, only for Mittelstadt to be traded to the Colorado Avalanche for Bowen Byram.
Cozens’ situation is different from Mittelstadt’s, as Cozens is signed through the 2029-30 season with an average annual value of $7.1 million. The Sabres have a larger investment in Cozens and may be less likely to trade him, as they could risk seeing him become a star with another team, like former Sabres players Ryan O’Reilly, Jack Eichel, and Sam Reinhart.
In other news, Pierre LeBrun also reported that the Dallas Stars are interested in Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders. However, it is unclear if the Islanders will be willing to trade the 33-year-old center, who will become an unrestricted free agent in July.
Matt Larkin from Daily Faceoff also listed the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets as potential destinations for Nelson, adding to the speculation surrounding his future.
