"He wants to win so bad, he gets too hot-headed": When Elias Pettersson gave an honest description of Canucks teammate J.T. Miller's personality

Amid the ongoing trade talks and speculation surrounding the Vancouver Canucks, fans are reminded of a revealing interview from 2023. During the NHL's All-Star Weekend in Florida, Canucks star center Elias Pettersson appeared on Sportsnet journalist Elliotte Friedman's podcast, "32 Thoughts."

In the 15-minute interview, Elias Pettersson discussed various topics, including his approach to media, his underrated teammate, and his interests outside of hockey. However, the most notable aspect of the conversation was his candid description of his relationship with teammate J.T. Miller.

When Friedman asked Pettersson to characterize his relationship with Miller, the Swedish star said (05:10):

“It’s good, um, I mean we’ve had our differences maybe in some games, but he is a teammate that I respect, and he’s someone I like to play hockey with.”

Pettersson acknowledged the media speculation surrounding their relationship but emphasized his respect for Miller.

“There’s a lot of speculation obviously but he’s a teammate I respect,” he said.

Friedman further asked Pettersson to describe Miller to someone who had never met him. Elias Pettersson said (05:45):

“He’s a skillful player but he’s, I don’t know if emotional is the right word. He wants to win so bad sometimes he maybe gets too hot-headed, if that’s the right word. He cares a lot, and he just wants to win.”

The rumored rift between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller has apparently escalated, becoming the most talked-about issue in the ongoing NHL season. The reported tension between the two players has supposedly reached a boiling point, affecting their teammates and becoming increasingly public.

As a result, the situation has reportedly prompted management to consider trade offers for both players to restore harmony and improve team performance.

Elias Pettersson impressed as Canucks beat Maple Leafs in a 3-0 shutout victory

Vancouver Canucks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Getty

The Vancouver Canucks arrived at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, riding a four-game winless streak, to face the Atlantic Division-leading Toronto Maple Leafs. The team's journey was far from smooth, as it was stuck in snowy Raleigh, North Carolina, and reached Toronto only a few hours before the game, due to flight delays following its 2-0 loss to the Hurricanes on Friday.

However, the Canucks' perseverance paid off as they secured a convincing 3-0 shutout victory over the Maple Leafs. Brock Boeser, Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood each scored a goal, while captain Hughes also added an assist.

Center Elias Pettersson, playing his second game after returning from injury, impressed with an assist on Boeser's goal just 31 seconds into the first period, giving the Canucks an early 1-0 lead. Pettersson also blocked five shots in 16:08 of ice time, earning praise from coach Rick Tocchet, who called it "one of Petey's best games of the year."

Goalie Kevin Lankinen made 20 saves to secure the shutout, his fourth of the season and seventh in the NHL.