The Vancouver Canucks' president of hockey operations says he doesn't see a way forward for the current roster amid an ongoing rift between two of its top stars.

Elias Pettersson's slow start to the 2024-25 season continues to be a massive storyline for the Vancouver Canucks. Through 42 games, the 26-year-old center has 30 points and is on pace to record under 60 points for just the second time in his career.

VANCOUVER -- J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson have a strained relationship that has negatively impacted the Vancouver Canucks, and president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford isn’t sure how to rectify the problem, admitting it may require trades he doesn’t want to make.

Flashback to the 2022-23 season, and the Vancouver Canucks had a decision to make. A crowded salary cap outlook meant that keeping both J.T. Miller and Bo Horvat would be difficult. They needed to pick one to move forward with.

The Vancouver Canucks signed Elias Pettersson to an eight-year, $92.8 million contract extension in March, ensuring he wouldn’t hit restricted free agency and committing to the 26-year-old as a core piece for the future. Less than a year later, Pettersson is at the center of NHL rumors ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.

Here is a complete timeline of the Vancouver Canucks' J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson rift, which has reached a new level.

As the trade deadline draws closer, Patrik Allvin and the Canucks' management group will almost certainly receive more interest in Elias Pettersson

The Vancouver Canucks have been not-so-privately attempting to navigate a reported rift between star centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. While neither player has directly addressed whatever is causing them to clash,

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported on Sportsnet's "Saturday Headlines" that Pettersson has informed Canucks management that he "would like to stay" with the team, offering the franchise some clarity on his vantage point.

The dust is still settling around the NHL following a massive blockbuster deal between the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller had little to say when asked about team president Jim Rutherford’s comments confirming the ongoing rift between him and Elias Pettersson. “I don’t have one,” Miller told reporters when asked for his thoughts on Rutherford’s remarks.