Canucks’ trade talks intensify with Bruins interested in offering two defensemen in a swap deal following another frustrating loss

When a team like the Vancouver Canucks is open to trading star players such as Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, the potential for deals is vast. The Boston Bruins are reportedly one of the teams considering an offer and have already initiated discussions with the Canucks.

An NHL executive shared with Marco D’Amico of Responsible Gambler that “[The Bruins are] talking to them,” but emphasized that the Canucks will only move a player they are willing to trade. This aligns with recent reports, including those from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

“I don’t know exactly who it is, but the Bruins are looking to strengthen their center depth with younger players, not older ones,” the executive said. “Pettersson seems like a possibility, but ultimately, it’s about which player the Canucks are prepared to move.”

Miller, 31, is currently in the second year of a seven-year, $56 million contract signed in September 2022, carrying an $8 million AAV. He has a full no-movement clause in his deal, meaning the Canucks need his consent for any trade, waiver assignment, or AHL demotion until 2027.

Pettersson’s situation is different. The 26-year-old is in the first year of an eight-year, $92.6 million extension signed in March 2023, but he doesn’t have any trade protection until July 1. While a trade of Pettersson is more feasible, his $11.6 million cap hit could be prohibitive for many NHL teams.

One source told D’Amico that they believe the Bruins may not be in an ideal position, both financially and roster-wise, to make such a trade. “The only way they pull it off is by creating a hole to fill a hole,” the source noted.

This view is supported by the executive, who speculates that the Bruins could offer a mix of defenseman Mason Lohrei and forwards Matt Poitras, Trent Frederic, and Pavel Zacha.

Zacha, a 27-year-old center, has consistently put up strong numbers, scoring 20 goals and 50 points in each of the past two seasons. This year, he has 21 points in 43 games on a struggling Bruins team. Frederic, 26, has one year left on his $2.3 million contract, contributing six goals and six assists in 43 games as a bottom-six forward.

Lohrei, 23, is an appealing asset for any NHL team, though the Canucks may prefer a right-shot defenseman to complement their current left-side options, including Quinn Hughes, Derek Forbort, and Carson Soucy.

This situation highlights that the interest in Miller and Pettersson around the league is genuine and will likely persist in the coming weeks.