Elias Pettersson, the Vancouver Canucks' star center, has become a prominent name in the NHL trade market as the trade deadline approaches. With the Canucks undergoing a rebuild, the 27-year-old Swede could be the next big player moved.
The Canucks have already made moves to acquire younger players, trading Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood. General Manager Patrik Allvin has acknowledged the importance of the draft in their rebuilding efforts and indicated a willingness to listen to offers for core players.
Pettersson signed an eight-year, $92.8 million contract with the Canucks in March 2024, carrying an $11.6 million annual cap hit. This contract includes a no-move clause, granting Pettersson significant control over his destination. Despite the hefty contract, several teams have shown interest in acquiring the skilled forward.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli noted a growing suspicion among teams that Pettersson could be traded this season, potentially before the Olympic roster freeze on February 4th. He also believes that the return for Pettersson could exceed what the Canucks received for J.T. Miller, prompting the team to seriously consider a trade. David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period estimates that the Canucks could receive a package including a top-two center, a first-round pick, and another significant asset in return for Pettersson.
Several teams have been linked to Pettersson, including the Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and Utah Mammoth. The Red Wings are one of the few teams with enough cap space to absorb Pettersson's contract outright and have a history of success with Swedish players, potentially making them an attractive destination for Pettersson. The Kings may be looking to replace Anze Kopitar, while the Hurricanes are seeking a center in Pettersson's prime age range. The Utah Mammoth are also a potential landing spot, especially if the Canucks retain a portion of Pettersson's salary.
However, some analysts believe that trading Pettersson before the offseason would be complicated due to his contract. Pettersson's no-move clause requires his approval for any trade, and his agent, Pat Brisson, would need to be involved in the process.
The Canucks are aiming to build a younger roster with higher upside and maximize their return in any potential trade. Trading Pettersson would align with this strategy, especially if the team receives a significant package of assets that can contribute to their long-term rebuild.
