Trade Targets: 5 Centers Canucks Could Target for Pettersson or Miller

The Vancouver Canucks are open for business. There's been multiple reports of late, stating the team is open to listening on trade offers for either J.T Miller, Elias Pettersson, or both.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman confirmed via Hockey Night in Canada broadcast on Saturday, that there's certainly some merit to the trade chatter, and the fact the Canucks are looking for a center in return in either deal.

Moving Miller or Pettersson would be a blockbuster move for the Canucks, here's five centers they could target in return:

Mat Barzal, New York Islanders

Barzal would have some say in the matter as he has a 22-team no-trade list, but, he's from British Columbia, and going home to play for the Canucks very likely lands on his approved list. Barzal's struggling this season, with just three goals, and nine points in 18 games. He's signed for $9.1 million AAV until 2031, and would give the Canucks someone in his prime to build around, while they look to refresh their core.

Mika Zibanejad, New York Rangers

At the end of the day, Zibanejad has a no-movement clause and would have to approve the deal, but there's certainly some level of sense for a Miller for Zibanejad swap. Or, even Pettersson heading to Broadway for that matter. Zibanejad has been called out in the Big Apple this season, struggling to his standards with just eight goals and 23 points in 38 games. This would be a huge shakeup for both teams, and one that is much needed.

Dylan Cozens, Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres, much like the Canucks and Rangers, need to shakeup their roster. Cozens is a prime trade candidate, signed to a long-term deal, and somewhat underperforming this season. He has eight goals and 20 points in 40 games this season, and does not hold any trade protection until the 2027 season. Cozens earns $7.1 million against the cap, and should he be moved to the Canucks, could be packaged with one of their depth defensemen.

Josh Norris, Ottawa Senators

Norris is a prime trade candidate from the Senators, who are in the market for upgrading their roster as they make a playoff push in the Eastern Conference. Norris is signed long term, he's making $7.95 million AAV through the 2029 season, and he doesn't have any trade protection right now and can be moved at will. Norris has 14 goals and 22 points in 38 games this season, and perhaps the Canucks would be willing to move Pettersson to Ottawa for Norris and a defenseman.

Cole Sillinger, Columbus Blue Jackets

Sillinger is having a strong season in Columbus, with 22 points in 39 games. At just 21 years old, would be a nice building block for the Canucks to continue to build around, and someone they can plug and play right away. Yes, it will take much more than just Sillinger to get one of Miller or Pettersson from the Canucks, but if packaged with Ivan Provorov, could certainly get the attention of Canucks' management.