NHL News: J.T. Miller, Rick Tocchet and Elias Pettersson’s Canucks rift uncovered in new report

Now with new NHL teams, fresh details have emerged about the behind-the-scenes tension between former Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller and head coach Rick Tocchet — friction that played a major role in reshaping the roster.

While Miller’s public feud with teammate Elias Pettersson grabbed headlines and appeared to be the catalyst for his trade to the New York Rangers midway through the 2024–25 season, sources indicate his strained relationship with Tocchet may have been the bigger factor.

Although their disagreements were far less public than Miller’s clash with Pettersson, the rift between Tocchet and Miller ran deep. Reports suggest the two “alpha” personalities clashed over leadership styles and the direction of the team. The situation escalated in December when Miller took a leave of absence, later revealed to be the result of a heated — though non-physical — confrontation with Tocchet.

“What we understand was a confrontation (not physical) after this one game when he got benched and then the next day the organization announced he was going to take a personal leave,” TSN’s Farhan Lalji explained on TSN 1200.

Elias Pettersson #40 talks to J.T. Miller #9 of the Vancouver Canucks during the third period in Game One of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena on May 8, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)

What do the new reports reveal about their fractured relationship?

A new report from The Hockey Writers supports what many had suspected: the dynamic between Tocchet and Miller was never built to last. “They were never quite pulling in the same direction. Tocchet demanded discipline; Miller brought passion—sometimes too much of it,” the outlet noted.

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“Defensive lapses, sideline blow-ups, and tense exchanges with teammates began to highlight a growing disconnect. His fiery style increasingly clashed with Tocchet’s structured approach. You could see it on the bench during games, where Miller often turned away from the ice to engage in mid-game ‘conversations’ with his head coach.” bringing the report’s findings to a revealing close.

How could Vancouver’s leadership change reshape the locker room?

With both Miller and Tocchet now gone, the Canucks turn the page under head coach Adam Foote and captain Quinn Hughes, with Elias Pettersson continuing to anchor the core. This leadership shift signals a fresh approach, and fans can expect a noticeably different team dynamic—both on and off the ice—in the 2025–26 season.