Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford was blunt when talking about the feud between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. He essentially confirmed that the only solution is to trade one or both of these talented forwards.

Canucks management's next steps with their star centers are crucial in the wake of Friday's three-team blockbuster.

Ahead of the Canucks game vs the Predators, forward J.T. Miller responded to Canucks' Jim Rutherford's comments on his rift with Elias Pettersson.

Why is Elias Pettersson skating slower? The Vancouver Canucks star’s NHL Edge data is stark: In the span of two seasons, his top skating velocity has gone from one of the NHL’s fastest to below average.

The Canucks have concluded that there's no workable way forward with both Miller and Pettersson on the roster.

Speaking with Gary Mason of The Globe and Mail, Rutherford acknowledged the quarrel between Miller and Pettersson and elaborated on the difficult situation it puts the Canucks in.

One Elias Pettersson is at the center of the Vancouver Canucks' trade drama. The other is a feel-good story and an addition to the NHL's history of players with the same names.

The Sabres have the assets to entice Vancouver into a trade. The bigger question is what, exactly, Buffalo might have to give up.