Teams Inquire About Elias Pettersson Trade
As the NHL trade deadline on March 6 approaches, the Vancouver Canucks are reportedly fielding calls from multiple teams regarding the availability of star forward Elias Pettersson. While a deal is not imminent, the level of interest suggests that the Canucks are at least listening to offers for the 27-year-old Swede.
Pettersson's name has been circulating in trade rumors for nearly a year. Despite signing an eight-year, $92.8 million contract extension in 2024, his future in Vancouver remains uncertain. The Canucks' recent trade of Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild signals a potential rebuild, making no player untouchable.
Several factors contribute to the ongoing trade speculation. While Pettersson had a strong 2022-23 season, notching 102 points, his performance hasn't consistently reached that level, putting pressure on him to justify his lucrative contract. This season, he has recorded 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) in 29 games. Some observers believe that a change of scenery could benefit the four-time All-Star.
However, trading Pettersson would not be a simple transaction. His contract carries a substantial $11.6 million cap hit for the next six seasons, limiting the number of teams that can afford him. Moreover, Pettersson possesses a full no-movement clause, giving him control over any potential trade destinations.
Among the teams rumored to be interested in Pettersson are the Carolina Hurricanes and the Buffalo Sabres. A proposed trade with Carolina would see the Hurricanes acquire Pettersson in exchange for Andrei Svechnikov, Logan Stankoven, and a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. While this package would address multiple needs for the Canucks, it remains uncertain whether Pettersson would waive his no-movement clause to facilitate such a deal. Some analysts believe that giving up Svechnikov and Stankoven, along with a first-round pick, is too steep a price for Pettersson, given his recent performance.
Other Canucks players who could draw interest from other teams include forward Conor Garland and goaltender Thatcher Demko. With the trade deadline less than two months away, General Manager Patrik Allvin faces critical decisions regarding the team's future. Whether or not Pettersson remains in Vancouver remains to be seen, but the ongoing trade discussions indicate that significant changes could be on the horizon.
