"Something isn't right with Canucks": Craig Button weighs in on J.T. Miller-Elias Pettersson ongoing inner 'turmoil'

The Vancouver Canucks’ season has been difficult so far, with eight losses in their last 10 games. Additionally, tensions between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson have added to the problems.

Pettersson, a highly talented player, has struggled to meet expectations over the past year. Miller, Canucks' other offensive powerhouse, has also started slow. He previously took a leave of absence in which he missed 10 games.

TSN’s Craig Button shared his thoughts on the situation during an edition of "That’s Hockey." Button explained that the Canucks need to address this internal problem.

"Now, you're always going to come across situations that challenge you, but if you want to be successful, you have to find solutions to your problems," Button said. "And that's simply where the Vancouver Canucks find themselves at this moment in time.

"Whether you want to call it turmoil or drama, bottom line is, there is something that isn't right with the Vancouver Canucks, and we've heard continuously about JT Miller and Elias Pettersson ... it's clearly a situation that is not only distracting, but ... harming them with respect to their on-ice play."

Recent reports from The Athletic's Josh Yohe and Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman add more context. The Canucks turned down a trade offer involving Mika Zibanejad from the NY Rangers.

Talks reportedly stalled when the Rangers refused to include defenseman Braden Schneider. Meanwhile, the team is evaluating trade options for both Miller and Pettersson to understand their market value.

Craig Button talked about Elias Pettersson's future

Craig Button noted that Elias Pettersson’s $11.6 million contract and upcoming no-move clause complicates decisions. If the team isn’t confident in his future impact, they might need to consider trading him.

"So when you start to consider where they find themselves with these two players," Button said, "I don't think there's any lack of interest amongst other NHL teams in these two players, but what you have to consider is the $11.6 million committed on an annual basis to Elias Pettersson, a no-move clause that kicks in on July 1.

"If you believe that he has the ability to be the player that can turn your team's fortunes, that can be that real go-to guy, well, then you're probably not considering trading him. But if you're not sure, and I'm not so sure they are right now, that they can have that sense of feeling, your last chance to trade him on your terms comes prior to July 1."

Despite these challenges, the Canucks remain in a playoff position with a record of 18-12-10, placing them fourth in Pacific Division. They have faced injuries, personal leaves, and other obstacles but stayed competitive. The Canucks must resolve the J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson issue soon.