Amidst swirling trade rumors surrounding Elias Pettersson, speculation has emerged linking the Vancouver Canucks center to a reunion with a former head coach. As the Canucks face a challenging season and a potential rebuild, the possibility of Pettersson being moved before the NHL's trade deadline in March is gaining traction.
TSN insider Darren Dreger reported that the Canucks are open to considering offers for Pettersson as they shift towards a rebuild, a departure from their previous "hybrid retool" approach. This openness includes being receptive to trading Pettersson, despite the star forward having a no-movement clause in his contract. Dreger noted that while there have been no direct communications with Pettersson's agent, Pat Brisson, the Canucks are willing to listen to potential offers.
Several teams are rumored to be interested in acquiring the Swedish center. Among them, the Carolina Hurricanes, who previously expressed interest in Pettersson before he re-signed with the Canucks, are seen as a potential suitor. Additionally, rebuilding teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks are considered possible destinations, as Pettersson could provide valuable support to their young stars.
The link to a former coach adds another layer to the unfolding situation. While the specific coach and team have not been explicitly named in recent reports, the most recent head coach for the Vancouver Canucks was Adam Foote. However, the timing of Foote being hired does not correlate with Pettersson being traded to the team he is coaching.
Pettersson, 27, is currently in the second year of an eight-year, $92.8 million contract with an $11.6 million average annual value. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his production has dipped since signing the lucrative deal. This season, he has 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 38 games. Last season, he recorded 15 goals and 45 points in 64 games.
Adding to the complexity, Pettersson was reportedly involved in a rift with former teammate J.T. Miller, which eventually led to Miller's trade to the New York Rangers. The Canucks have already made a significant trade this season, sending captain Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild.
The possibility of trading Pettersson signals a potential "rip-it-down" rebuild for the Canucks. However, moving Pettersson, with his high salary and no-movement clause, presents a challenge. The Canucks may need to retain a portion of his salary to facilitate a trade.
As the trade deadline approaches, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Pettersson's future and whether a reunion with a former coach will materialize. The situation remains fluid, with many factors influencing the potential outcome.
