Report: Canucks Getting Closer To "Major Roster Change"

The Vancouver Canucks are edging closer to a major roster shake-up, with Nick Kypreos of the Toronto Star reporting that management is now open to making a "major roster change" soon.

Central to this speculation is the reported tension between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson, two of the team’s cornerstone players. 

Former Canucks forward Brad Richardson weighed in on the dynamic, stating, “There’s a lot of tension. Something’s gonna give.” 

Miller’s outspoken personality is thought to contrast with Pettersson’s more introverted approach, creating a tough dynamic within the locker room.

Nick Kypreos:
It’s sounding like the Vancouver Canucks are leaning toward a major roster change as it becomes clearer to management that the current roster — specifically feuding stars J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson — cannot co-exist. Don’t be surprised if we start hearing the…

— BuckFoston (@BuckFoston_) January 2, 2025

While both players have denied any issues, the strain has reportedly prompted Canucks leadership, led by GM Patrik Allvin and president Jim Rutherford, to consider taking calls on Miller. 

This season, the 31-year-old Miller has recorded six goals and 18 assists for 24 total points across 26 games played.

Kypreos suggests this decision could mark a defining moment for the franchise as it works to establish a clearer identity. 

The 26-year-old Pettersson has recorded 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 total points over 34 games this season.

If the Canucks choose to part with Miller, it would likely show a commitment to building the team around Pettersson, reshaping the roster and charting a new direction for the team.

Photo Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images