The futures of Vancouver Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller continue to stir up trade speculation, with their status reportedly impacting the NHL trade market. According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, the Canucks are actively evaluating their options regarding both players, though Miller’s name has surfaced more frequently in trade discussions.
J.T. Miller’s Struggles and Potential Trade
Miller has faced some challenges recently, playing less than 15 minutes in each of his last three games. Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has noted that Miller is struggling and needs to improve his focus. Johnston reported that there is a belief around the NHL that the Canucks are leaning toward moving Miller, despite his no-movement clause. Although Miller reportedly isn’t keen on waiving the clause, it is assumed that he could be open to doing so for the right trade situation.
The New York Rangers have been mentioned as a potential destination for Miller, who began his NHL career in New York. Some rumors suggest that the Rangers offered Mika Zibanejad in return, although there’s no confirmation as to whether Zibanejad would waive his own no-move clause. The situation remains fluid, and much depends on Miller’s willingness to waive his protection for a trade.
Elias Pettersson: A More Complex Situation
Unlike Miller, Elias Pettersson does not have any no-trade protection this season, but his $11.6-million cap hit for the next seven years complicates any potential move. While his trade status has been mentioned in the media, his large contract and long-term commitment to the Canucks make him a more difficult asset to move than Miller, who has a relatively more manageable $8-million cap hit.
Still, the Canucks have a major decision to make regarding Pettersson’s future, particularly considering his ongoing importance to the team and his performance in recent seasons. The intrigue surrounding both players is expected to continue until there is some clarity on their futures.
Dylan Cozens: The Sabres’ Young Center in Demand
In Buffalo, another center is generating trade buzz. Dylan Cozens, a 23-year-old Sabres center, remains a fixture in the trade rumors as the Sabres struggle to move up from the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic noted that the Calgary Flames are among a “long list of teams” interested in Cozens, particularly because they are seeking a right-shot center who is 25 or younger.
Although recent reports indicate that the Sabres aren’t actively shopping Cozens, the situation is still uncertain. It’s worth remembering that last season, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams claimed that rumors about Casey Mittelstadt being traded were false, only for Mittelstadt to eventually be moved to the Colorado Avalanche for Bowen Byram.
Cozens, however, is in a different situation. He is signed through the 2029-30 season with an average annual value of $7.1 million, making him a more important asset for the Sabres to retain. Given the team’s investment in Cozens, they may be reluctant to trade him and risk watching him blossom into a star with another club, as happened with former Sabres players like Ryan O’Reilly, Jack Eichel, and Sam Reinhart.
Brock Nelson: Another Trade Target for the Dallas Stars?
In addition to the rumors surrounding Miller, Pettersson, and Cozens, Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders is also in the trade spotlight. According to Pierre LeBrun, the Dallas Stars have expressed interest in Nelson, who is set to become a UFA on July 1. However, it remains uncertain whether the Islanders would be willing to part with their 33-year-old center, who has been a key contributor for the team.
Other teams reportedly interested in Nelson include the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets, as mentioned by Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin. With Nelson approaching the final year of his contract, the Islanders may look to move him to secure assets before he becomes a free agent, but this will depend on the team’s broader plans.
The NHL trade market is heating up, with Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, Dylan Cozens, and Brock Nelson among the key players generating trade speculation. For the Canucks, the futures of their two centers are in question, with the team weighing their options. Meanwhile, Cozens and Nelson are also drawing interest from multiple teams, though the Sabres and Islanders are not actively shopping them. As the trade deadline approaches, these situations are likely to evolve quickly.
