Jan 25, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen (32) and forward Elias Pettersson (40) celebrate the victory against the Washington Capitals at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

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Canucks Draw Trade Interest for Elias Pettersson

Vancouver Canucks field inquiries on Elias Pettersson as teams express strong trade interest in the star forward.

In recent weeks, the focus in Vancouver has been on the possibility of moving one of their top centers, with J.T. Miller looking like the most likely candidate. Last weekend, the Canucks reportedly came close to scratching Miller from the lineup as trade talks advanced, but the deal ultimately fell through, and he played that night.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the Carolina Hurricanes had engaged in trade discussions with the Canucks involving both Miller and Elias Pettersson, proposing various offers for either player. However, those talks didn’t result in a deal, as Carolina opted instead to acquire Mikko Rantanen from Colorado and Taylor Hall from Chicago.

While Miller trade talks appear to have hit a roadblock, interest in Elias Pettersson remains strong. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Buffalo Sabres are among the teams showing significant interest in the 26-year-old center. Additionally, The Fourth Period notes that the Ottawa Senators are another team to watch in the Pettersson sweepstakes.

Canucks Receiving Interest In Elias Petterssonhttps://t.co/N6PxMsuQNI
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) January 27, 2025

Pettersson, currently in the first year of an eight-year, $92.8MM contract with an $11.6MM cap hit, lacks any trade protection since this is the final season of his restricted free-agent eligibility. In contrast, Miller’s full no-move clause adds complexity to any potential trade involving him.

Two years ago, Pettersson delivered a stellar 100-point season with 39 goals and 63 assists in 80 games. While his production dipped slightly in 2023-24, he still posted 34 goals and 55 assists, maintaining over a point-per-game pace. However, his numbers have declined further this season, with just 11 goals and 19 assists in 42 games, ranking him fifth in team scoring. Some believe this drop in form may be partly linked to ongoing tensions between him and Miller, but the Canucks clearly expect more from their franchise forward.

Both Buffalo and Ottawa have young centers on long-term deals who could be centerpieces in a potential Pettersson trade. Buffalo’s Dylan Cozens, signed through 2030 at $7.1MM annually, is two years removed from a 31-goal, 68-point season. Ottawa’s Josh Norris, with a 35-goal campaign in 2021-22, is locked up through 2030 at $7.95MM per season. While neither player is a true number-one center, they could serve as strong second-line options behind Miller in Vancouver. Of course, these players would likely only be starting points in trade negotiations, with additional assets needed to complete any deal.

Top-line centers in their prime rarely hit the trade market, so interest in Pettersson is understandably high. With the Canucks seemingly unable to secure the offers they want for Miller, trading Pettersson appears increasingly plausible. Expect Vancouver’s GM, Patrik Allvin, to field more calls regarding Pettersson as teams vie for the dynamic center’s services in the coming days.

Image Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Elias Pettersson

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Anamika Shrivastava

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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!