NHL Trade Rumors: Canucks' Elias Pettersson to the Buffalo Sabres

The Vancouver Canucks have until July 1 before Elias Pettersson's no-trade clause kicks in, and there's certainly going to be a ton of trade discussions between now and then for GM Patrik Allvin, and president Jim Rutherford. The Canucks aren't necessarily committed to Pettersson, after one of the uglier seasons for the franchise, both on and off the ice.

The Buffalo Sabres are a team to watch in the sweepstakes, as they continue to look for ways to boost their offense, and push their team over the hump. JJ Peterka is a name to keep an eye on as the Canucks would love to get their hands on the 23-year-old restricted free agent. There's been some chatter about Peterka preferring to be dealt this offseason as he isn't happy with the progress that the Sabres have made over the last few seasons.

Bowen Byram is another trade candidate on the back end of the Sabres, but the Canucks will have to include something else in the deal if they want to land both Peterka and Byram from Buffalo. Pettersson's entering year three of a massive contract extension where he'll be paid $11.6 million AAV through the 2031-32 season. 

Pettersson scored just 15 goals in 64 games last season, and also recorded just one goal in 13 Stanley Cup Playoffs the year before. Needless to say, the Canucks have not been getting their money's worth.

Peterka on the other hand is coming off a great season, which he scored 27 goals and 68 points in 77 games, his third year in the league. He's yet to sniff the Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Sabres, which could be the biggest reason he wants out of Buffalo.

Keep an eye on these two teams, they align perfectly for a blockbuster trade at the NHL Draft. 

Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images