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

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.

A report that the Canucks were in trade talks with the Hurricanes before the Rantanen trade is part of the recent speculation regarding Miller and Pettersson.