Feb 23, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Elias Pettersson (25) shoots against the Utah Hockey Club during the first period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

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Could Elias Pettersson Be the Next Canucks Star on the Move?

As trade rumors swirl, Vancouver faces a big decision on their franchise forward.

The Vancouver Canucks are at a crossroads, and their next big move could involve Elias Pettersson, who has been one of the Vancouver Canucks biggest stars, but this season hasn’t gone the way anyone expected. After signing a massive eight-year, $92.8 million contract extension in March 2024, the hope was that he would continue leading the team. Instead, his numbers have just gone down; for a player of his caliber, that’s not good enough, and people are starting to wonder what’s going wrong.

His coach, Rick Tocchet, has noticed that he’s hesitating and second-guessing himself on the ice. Confidence is a big part of hockey, and right now, Pettersson just doesn’t have it. With the Canucks fighting for a playoff spot, they need him to get back on track.

There have been a lot of excuses made for Elias Pettersson this season.

Presented By | @SafewayCanada pic.twitter.com/cVRNifbZn8
— FlamesNation (@FlamesNation) February 24, 2025

Frank Seravalli recently joined a conversation with Sportsnet Central to break down the latest NHL trade rumors, including the possibility of Elias Pettersson being the next Canuck on the move.

I think the biggest thing that has struck me is that it continues to be someone else’s problem, like, take us back to blocker clean out day first, it was the knee tendonitis, and then to start this season, it was J.T. Miller. And then when J.T. Miller is not there, he gets back to performing at a level that he should. [He] is a truly high-paid NHL player that has failed at every turn under this contract to deliver. And that’s the long and short of it.” : NHL Insider Mentioned

The next few months will be crucial. If Pettersson finds his game again, he’ll prove why the Canucks made such a big investment in him. But if he keeps struggling, Vancouver might have to make a tough decision about his future. Trade rumors have been heating up, with NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently discussing the possibility of the Canucks parting ways with their star forward.

After already dealing J.T. Miller, Vancouver seems open to making further roster changes. One of the league’s most skilled forwards, Pettersson has drawn significant interest from teams looking for an elite playmaker. While no official offers have surfaced, speculation continues to grow as the trade deadline nears.

Seravalli pointed out that the Canucks might be shifting their focus toward a long-term rebuild. If that’s the case, trading Pettersson could bring invaluable assets to help reshape the team’s future. With multiple franchises keeping a close watch on his availability, Vancouver’s management faces a tough decision hold onto their star or move him for a major return.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Pettersson’s future. Whether he stays or leaves, one thing is certain: the Canucks’ decisions now will shape their team for years to come. Fans will watch closely as the trade deadline approaches, waiting to see if Vancouver is ready to make another franchise-altering move.

Elias Pettersson and His Declining Performance

Elias Pettersson has been one of the Vancouver Canucks’ biggest stars, but this season hasn’t gone the way anyone expected. After signing a massive eight-year, $92.8 million contract extension in March 2024, the hope was that he would continue leading the team. Instead, his numbers have taken a hit—just 10 goals and 18 assists in 34 games. For a player of his caliber, that’s not good enough, and people are starting to wonder what’s going wrong.

‘‘It’s more annoying dealing with the media’‘ : Elias Pettersson said as he seemed frustrated. When asked about his struggles, he admitted that dealing with the media has been tough.

🚨 The Detroit Red Wings have freed up salary cap space. Will they make a trade for Dylan Cozens or Elias Pettersson? 👇#LGRW #NHL #nhltraderumors https://t.co/E5PjnD1Bmv
— NHL Trade Rumors (@nhltraderumours) February 25, 2025

Now, with the trade deadline coming up on March 7, rumors are flying. Some think the Canucks should trade him, even if they don’t get full value in return. Others believe he’s still too important to give up on, especially since he’s been solid defensively. He leads all forwards in defensive plays and blocked passes, showing that he still contributes even when he’s not scoring.

Image Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Elias Pettersson

NHL

Vancouver Canucks

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!