Golden Knights & Canucks Blockbuster Involving Pettersson Could Materialize

Things have gotten interesting for the Vancouver Canucks as Elias Pettersson has decided to halt contract talks as the season will get underway soon. Where the Canucks have the advantage is that they aren't at risk of just losing their star forward since he's an RFA if he doesn't want to sign long-term.

The Canucks are hoping they are on the rise, but have to make some positive strides if they hope that Pettersson will want to buy in long term there. He is set for a big payday and he's betting on himself to put up another monster season in Vancouver so that he gets an even better contract.

Why the Vegas Golden Knights are now connected to the Canucks and Pettersson is because they may very well decide they need a younger elite centerman. If the right contracts or discussion don't get anywhere in Vegas with Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson, both UFAs after this season, the Golden Knights could very well look to pivot in a hurry.

Chris Gawlik of Vegas Hockey Now notes that if the contract demands get too high for Marchessault, Stephenson, or both, it could force them out of town since they are 32 years old and 29 years old. Pettersson on the other hand is only 24. The Golden Knight will have to give up some pretty good picks and prospects, but they are looking to continue to be competitive year in and year out.