Elias Pettersson Mock Trade: Blockbuster move has Canucks' $92.8M star dealt to Rangers

It does not appear that Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller can co-exist any longer. The Vancouver Canucks star forwards have reportedly been feuding for most of the season and things have not gotten back on track.

In a recent report, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said that the stress of the situation has spilled over into other parts of the organization and that Canucks coach Rick Tocchet and captain Quinn Hughes are tired of it. The team has reportedly started to listen to trade offers for both players.

Pettersson and Miller's sixth season as teammates could potentially be the final one.

One team that's dealt with its fair share of drama is the New York Rangers. Chris Drury has made it well known he's open for business and wants to change the core of his roster. Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko have already been traded but it's likely just the beginning.

Could the New York Rangers have interest in acquiring the $92,800,000 forward? Let's examine if these two teams in turmoil can connect on a trade that will satisfy both parties.

Mock trade sending Elias Pettersson to the Big Apple

Here is a potential deal that the Canucks and Rangers could agree on.

Vancouver Receives:

Mika Zibanejad, Braden Schneider, Brennan Othmann, future first-round draft pick

New York Receives:

Elias Pettersson

This would be an absolute blockbuster trade, the biggest in the NHL since the Matthew Tkachuk for Jonathan Huberdeau swap in September 2022.

For New York, Chris Drury is looking to go big-game hunting and Pettersson perfectly fits that mold: a 26-year-old center with a career 440 points (180 goals, 260 assists) in 441 games potentially looking for a chance of scenery.

The Rangers have a superstar goalie in Igor Shesterkin, a superstar winger in Artemi Panarin and a superstar defenseman in Adam Fox. They need a No. 1 center. Pettersson could fit into that role and not have to carry the pressure of being the face of the franchise.

On the other hand, the Canucks can move on from Pettersson or Miller. While Pettersson is five years younger than Miller, it would make sense to move Pettersson with the potential of receiving a stronger trade return. For salary cap reasons, Mika Zibanejad would have to go to Vancouver. Zibanejad could play second-line center behind J.T. Miller, a spot that better suits his abilities.

The Canucks would also receive a promising young defenseman who could instantly step into their top four in Braden Schneider. Brennan Othmann and a future first round draft pick may also be added. Four good pieces in return and shipping off Pettersson could put an end to the drama.

Vancouver fans will likely be wondering about Alexis Lafreniere in any trade. However, it's hard to imagine the Rangers moving on from the 2020 first overall pick just months after extending him to a seven-year $7.45 million contract.

It may seem hard to imagine a trade of this magnitude potentially happening. However, Pettersson and Miller's relationship issues are leaving the Canucks with no choice but to likely make tough decisions.