Report: Hurricanes 1 of 6 Teams Now Linked to Elias Pettersson/JT Miller Discussions

The reports continue to run wild on the status of the Vancouver Canucks trade talks surrounding their embattled star centers Elias Pettersson and JT Miller.

According to TSN insiders Chris Johnston & Pierre LeBrun, the latest list of teams said to be notably involved in the discussions is topped by a Stanley Cup contender in Raleigh.

"When it comes to Pettersson, in particular, it seems as though the Canucks are serious about considering moving him. Multiple teams are believed to have shown interest," said Johnston, who then goes on to name the Carolina Hurricanes in particular.

LeBrun explains that this "isn’t entirely surprising because those teams were in talks last season on the same player before Pettersson signed an extension with the Canucks."

Ah, yes. That extension. Pettersson's eight-year contract that pays him an $11.6 million AAV just kicked in this season. Year One. Seven more to go. The Hurricanes front office, as LeBrun notes, is surely debating the merits of that massive commitment.

Meanwhile, five other teams have been named by insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period to be involved in talks with Vancouver about either Pettersson or Miller:

Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Detroit Red Wings
Minnesota Wild
New York Rangers

The Rangers, we've already heard, reportedly made an offer of Mika Zibanejad for Miller, and were told 'thanks, but no thanks' (or likely, something more harsh than that) by the Canucks.

The Sabres have been a team all over the rumor mill, with several notable names making the rounds, like Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram. Could either of those be part of their discussions with Vancouver?

The Bruins and Red Wings are both desperate to add some serious offensive punch to their lineups, as both teams are near the bottom of the NHL in goals per game.

The Wild, of course, are having a tremendous season, and adding one of those two centermen could make them a Cup favorite.