Insider floats blockbuster trade involving Elias Pettersson and $2,590,002 Wildcat forward

The reported rift between the star forwards of the Vancouver Canucks Elias Pettersson and JT Miller is the biggest story in hockey right now. The rumor mill is swirling with speculation from NHL insiders and fans alike.

Sportnet's Ryan Dixon released a number of high-profile deals involving the Swedish centre-back on Thursday. The Minnesota Wild is a potential destination for Pettersson, Dixon said, as the Wild have long been looking for a top center to round out their offense.

The analyst also noted the trade rumors surrounding Minnesota's current top center, Marco Rossi. The forward's three-year, $2.59 million contract expires at the end of the season.

“Marco Rossi's name has been in trade rumors this season, as has Pettersson's. Rossi's play over the past month or so — 13 points in 12 games, though eight came during a three-game warmup — will likely speak quietly of the 23-year-old playing anywhere but the “State of Hockey,” Dixon wrote. .

“But if GM Bill Guerin doesn't think he and the pending RFA (Rossi) are in the same universe when it comes to a second contract and there's a player of Pettersson's style and age, that could turn into a great young piece like Rossi nice”, he added.

Dixon drew a comparison between Pettersson's current situation and that of former NHL players such as center Joe Thornton and defenseman Zdeno Chara. He also identifies the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabers and Anaheim Ducks as other potential trade destinations for Pettersson.

NHL analyst picks Elias Pettersson over JT Miller to stay in Vancouver

On Wednesday, sports commentator Sam Cosentino opined that the Vancouver Canucks should watch marketed by JT Miller instead of Elias Pettersson. In a “Hot Topic” panel on Sportsnet, Cosentino said Miller should be the one to go. He was also firm in his belief that the rift between the star players could not be mended.

The analyst stated that Miller's $8 million cap hit, on-ice versatility and solid playoff record make him highly marketable. He also said unloading Miller would allow the Vans to resolve the situation efficiently.

“I say it's Miller who goes, that frees up Pettersson, that frees up the rest of the room to be more like them and allow the Canucks to go forward,” he said.

Rumors of a fight between Miller, 31, and Pettersson, 26, have been swirling for eight weeks.