NHL insider provides latest on J.T. Miller-Elias Pettersson drama as trade rumors heat up

The J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson story does not seem to go away. The rumored rift between the two Canucks stars has become the biggest taking point around the NHL.

Miller and Pettersson's relationship is in such a bad place that the Canucks are listening to trade offers on both players. It's been reported that their issues have been weighing on other members of the organization and they're exasperated with the situation.

TSN hockey insider Chris Johnston gave an update with the latest news he's heard on Miller and Pettersson Tuesday morning on "First Up."

"They're listening on both, you know, and probably gaging, you know, what makes the most sense in terms of, you know, what return they can get, and obviously the trickle down effect on the team," Johnston said. "And so, you know, I think that that there's a certain openness to consider moving either of them. And so it's really hard to say."

"I mean, I guess the most obvious thing to point out is better than doesn't have any trade protection in his contract right now, and whereas J.T. Miller has a formal movement clause, and, you know, I'm not totally sure that he's willing to move that for anyone or anything," Johnston continued.

"I don't think those, those conversations, you know, the Canucks are having conversations on one side, but that's not as though they're working with his agent and trying to get him out of there. I don't think it's at that kind of level. So, you know, tough to say at this point in time where it falls, but it's pretty notable the fact that those sorts of conversations are happening," Johnston added. (Timestamp: 11:30 onwards)

Elias Pettersson shared his feelings in a recent interview

Elias Pettersson spoke with Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre on Monday amid the trade chatter that surrounds him and J.T. Miller. Pettersson took responsibility for his play so far this season and said he has heard all the trade talk.

"I know I can do better. I will be the first one to say it, and I never think things will get easier. I haven't had the start that I wanted. I have expectations from the club, and obviously I haven't met them yet," Pettersson told MacIntyre.

"I'm aware of it, I've heard it," Pettersson said of the trade talks. "But then it's like, can I control it? No. So that's where I'm at. I'm trying not to think about it. But I'm sure it will go away if I play better and if we win."

This comes after Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin called Pettersson out for his play and was noncommittal on whether they'll keep the 26-year-old Swede.

Elias Pettersson has missed the last five games with an undisclosed injury, but he appears to be on the cusp of returning to the lineup. His next chance to play will be Wednesday night in Washington against the Capitals. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. EST at Capital One Arena.