"Everybody has to deal with it": Elliotte Friedman shares jaw-dropping speculation over Canucks' J.T. Miller-Elias Pettersson drama

The reported feud between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller of the Vancouver Canucks has fueled speculation regarding a potential trade involving one of these stars.

During an appearance on Sportsnet’s "The FAN Hockey Show" published on Thursday, notable NHL insider Elliotte Friedman addressed the speculation, hinting that Canucks GM Patrik Allvin could be looking to trade one of Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller.

Here’s what Friedman had to say about the speculation:

“I believe everybody knows that Vancouver are open to listening. I believe they have already, on both players and will continue to do so. But I still think that Vancouver’s preference is that… both of them grow up and figure it out.”

Friedman’s comments highlighted the seemingly endless noise about the reported feud between Pettersson and Miller and how Vancouver management would rather solve things internally instead of trading either star. Friedman noted the difficult position the Canucks are in, stating:

“They (Vancouver) realize these are hard trades to win.”

While the Canucks would prefer to avoid the entire process of trading Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller, the team’s hand may be forced. As Friedman noted:

“The fact that it’s still a thing (the feud) has begun to spill over into other parts of the organization. And, to me, it’s clearly bothering (Coach Rick) Tocchet that this is still a thing. I believe it’s bothering (captain, Quinn) Hughes that it’s still a thing,” Friedman said. “And now, it’s spread to where everybody has to deal with it.”

With the Canucks potentially dealing either star, a major trade could happen in the coming weeks. Pettersson’s inclusion in the 4 Nations roster for Sweden could prompt the Canucks to make a deal happen sooner, rather than later.

Trading Elias Pettersson could be easier than J.T. Miller

Friedman underscored a crucial point in a potential trade involving Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller: No-movement clauses.

According to PuckPedia, Pettersson’s no-movement clause won’t come into force until next season. Meanwhile, Miller has a full no-movement clause in effect at the moment.

In other words, trading Pettersson now would be much easier than Miller. However, the Canucks have been vocal about their commitment to Petersson as their star player for years to come. As such, the club may not want to necessarily trade Pettersson, but would rather move Miller, instead.

If that’s the case, the Canucks would need to work out a deal that Miller would approve. That situation puts the Canucks in a spot where they wouldn’t be able to negotiate the best possible deal for the team.

It’s unclear which teams Miller would agree to be traded to. Logic would indicate that Miller could enticed to waive his no-movement clause to go to a contending team. However, Miller may be averse to joining certain teams.

Ultimately, if a trade does occur, circumstances may force the Vancouver Canucks to make an unpopular move.