Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller aren't big fans of each other. Word got out that the two superstars for the Vancouver Canucks are clashing against one another, with the two different personalities butting heads and dropping F*** bombs. The funny thing is that Miller said everything was fine, according to Sportsnet's Iain McIntyre.
"Petey and my relationship has come a long way. We're still working at it. We're completely different people, you know what I mean? You're not going to be BFFs with everybody, but at the same time you come to work together. We are polar opposites in a lot of ways, but we're working on it. We've come a long way."J.T. Miller to Sportsnet's Iain McIntyre
It isn't like Miller and Pettersson have been slouches, either. Last season, the former 2011 first-round draft pick had 37 goals and 103 points. As for the Swedish forward? He scored 34 goals and 89 points. Granted, Miller (six goals, 25 points) and Pettersson (10 goals, 28 points) aren't as productive as last season. However, they're valuable pieces that can boost any team's offense, including the Vegas Golden Knights.
However, both players aren't necessarily needed by the Golden Knights. When you have 55 points and the highest points percentage in the NHL (.724), there isn't a need for anything. But there are more reasons to simply having everything click on all cylinders. An entire ecosystem installed by Bruce Cassidy is also at play. Here are some reasons why the Golden Knights should pass on both Miller and Pettersson.
The Vegas Golden Knights are already loaded up the middle
Not many NHL teams have dominant centers on every line. The Vegas Golden Knights and Vancouver Canucks are two of these teams, carrying unrivaled depth up the middle. For Vancouver, J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson are two prominent names. For the Golden Knights, it's Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl atop the card.
I know, it's hard to believe. However, trading for Miller or Pettersson means moving one of your current centers off. Obviously, Eichel isn't going anywhere, nor should he. If you think otherwise, you better put down the paint remover.
But if you're moving Tomas Hertl off, you're removing a power play merchant that's also a big body. Plus, $6.75 million annually makes it impossible to do. Moving William Karlsson means moving a two-way forward who's excellent on special teams.
Sure, certain podcasters and critics might hate him for his love for "Dancing Queen" (among other things). But Karlsson does serve a purpose. As for Nicolas Roy? He hasn't been the best player in the wing position, where he can set up plays for his teammates on the attack.
They can move Roy if they wish. He has a cap hit of $3 million, after all. But as the Mitch Marner rumors proved, getting a big-time player is much harder than anticipated. Speaking of money...