This proposed trade between the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks has certainly sparked debate, but is it truly realistic? The idea of reuniting Elias Pettersson and JT Miller—this time in New York—sounds intriguing at first glance, but upon closer examination, it’s clear that such a move is unlikely to materialize.
A Blockbuster Proposal That Raises Eyebrows
The proposed trade would involve the Rangers sending Artemi Panarin to Vancouver in exchange for Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander. Given that Panarin has been one of New York’s most consistent offensive players, it’s understandable why Rangers GM Chris Drury would hesitate to make such a move. On the other hand, Canucks GM Patrik Allvin might be more willing to at least listen, considering the potential benefits of adding a player of Panarin’s caliber.
Full storyline
While blockbuster trades have happened in the past, this particular proposal seems far-fetched. For a team like the Rangers, which has consistently pushed for deep playoff runs, parting ways with their top scorer in exchange for a player with injury concerns and a complicated history with Miller doesn’t appear to be a logical step forward.
Breaking Down the Trade Proposal
Here’s how the trade would look on paper:
To Vancouver Canucks:
Artemi Panarin (with $5 million of his salary retained by the Rangers)
Arthur Kaliyev
2025 Fifth-Round Pick (Minnesota’s)
To New York Rangers:
Elias Pettersson (26-year-old elite center)
Nils Höglander (23-year-old skilled winger)
Vancouver’s 2025 Second-Round Pick
At face value, this deal presents the Rangers with an opportunity to acquire an elite center in Pettersson, while Vancouver would gain an elite playmaker in Panarin. However, the reality of executing such a trade is much more complicated than it appears.
Would This Deal Even Work?
One of the biggest obstacles is Pettersson’s history with Miller. During their time together in Vancouver, the two didn’t always see eye to eye, and their on-ice chemistry was often questioned. If the Rangers were to make this trade, they would not only be acquiring a player with lingering injury issues but also one with a documented history of tension with a key member of their prospective roster.
Additionally, Pettersson has been dealing with injuries throughout the season, and it’s expected that he will miss at least four more games. For the Rangers, giving up a consistent offensive force in Panarin in exchange for a player with availability concerns is a significant risk.
Everything you need to know below ⤵️
Another factor to consider is the Rangers’ cap situation. Even with the proposed $5 million salary retention, Panarin carries a hefty contract, and his departure would free up cap space. However, bringing in Pettersson wouldn’t necessarily resolve any long-term financial constraints, especially considering that the team already has several high-paid veterans.
What Are the Alternatives?
If the Rangers were seriously looking to shake up their roster, there are more plausible trade targets than Pettersson. As The Athletic’s Peter Baugh pointed out, Chris Kreider might be a more logical candidate to move. Drury had reportedly explored trade options for Kreider earlier in the season, and with his $6.5 million cap hit and a less-than-stellar season, the Rangers may be more inclined to move him rather than a top-tier talent like Panarin.
“If the Rangers are going to make substantial changes to their roster, they will need to move players out,” Baugh noted. “Chris Kreider is the most obvious candidate, given that Chris Drury already showed a willingness to entertain offers in November, when he sent a message to the other 31 general managers saying he’d listen on Kreider and then-captain Jacob Trouba.”
While Kreider’s contract and trade protection present their own challenges, moving him might be a more realistic way for the Rangers to make necessary roster adjustments without disrupting team chemistry.
Why the Canucks Might Listen
For Vancouver, the idea of acquiring Panarin is undeniably appealing. He remains one of the NHL’s premier offensive threats, and despite the Rangers’ hesitancy to part with him, the Canucks would undoubtedly benefit from his presence in their top-six forward group.
See more here ⤵️
However, Vancouver is unlikely to give up Pettersson without serious consideration, as he has been a cornerstone of their roster. Additionally, if the Canucks were looking to make a major move, they might prefer to leverage prospects like Jonathan Lekkerimäki instead of dealing a proven NHL star. Lekkerimäki, a skilled Swedish winger and former first-round pick, could be a more likely trade chip in a potential blockbuster deal.
Final Verdict: An Unlikely Scenario
While the thought of a Pettersson-Miller reunion in New York is an interesting storyline, the reality is that this proposed trade doesn’t seem like a good fit for either team. For the Rangers, trading away their most consistent offensive player in exchange for an injury-prone center with past locker-room drama isn’t a smart move. Meanwhile, while Vancouver may be intrigued by the possibility of landing Panarin, giving up Pettersson would be a tough pill to swallow.
Ultimately, unless drastic changes in team philosophy occur, this trade is more of a fantasy than a legitimate offseason scenario.
