Canucks Rumors: 4 Potential Offseason Trade Destinations for Elias Pettersson

The Vancouver Canucks went from potential Stanley Cup contenders at the start of this season, to having the walls crumble by the end of the year. J.T Miller is gone, Brock Boeser likely isn't re-signing, Rick Tocchet could be out of a job, management thinks Quinn Hughes is leaving for New Jersey eventually, and don't forget Elias Pettersson is a prime trade candidate this summer.

There's lots going in on Vancouver, and let's focus in on Pettersson. His no-trade clause doesn't kick in until July 1, and look for Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin to listen to trade offers leading up to the NHL Draft in June. Here's four teams who could wind up trading for the underperforming 26-year-old who's making $11.6 million AAV through the 2031-32 season:

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings and Canucks have trade history together, and Detroit's roster was not happy with GM Steve Yzerman sitting on his hands throughout this season. The Red Wings need a boost offensively, and Pettersson is still in his prime and able to turn things around in the right situation. The Canucks may blow things up and reset themselves with a partial rebuild. Yzerman has a slew of young roster players with high ceilings that could appeal to Rutherford/Allvin.

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks fired their coach after two seasons as GM Pat Verbeek sent a clear message heading into the summer - it's playoffs or bust next year. The Ducks have a ton of cap space to work with and could move Trevor Zegras to Vancouver in a package for Pettersson, who would be a great mentor for Leo Carlsson. Interdivisional trades are tricky, but if the Ducks are willing to ante up with Zegras, a defensive prospect and a high draft pick, there could be a deal to be done here.

New York Islanders

A perfect scenario for the Canucks would be sending Pettersson and another piece to the Islanders for home-grown product Mat Barzal or defenceman Noah Dobson. The Isles moved on from Lou Lamoriello and now they're expected to reset themselves with a potential re-tool, which could include moving both Barzal, and even Ilya Sorokin. Keep an eye on these two teams, there could be a deal to be made this offseason.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes moved on from Martin Necas this season in the original Mikko Rantanen deal, and it's saved them a ton of cap space moving forward. Heading into next season, the 'Canes have over $30 million in cap space, which means they can take a risk or two this upcoming summer. They've had Pettersson on their radar for a few seasons now and there's certainly going to be some more trade talks before these two franchises this offseason. Jesperi Kotkaniemi is someone to keep an eye on here going the other way.

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