Canucks: 3 Key Return Pieces Expected In Pettersson Trade

The Vancouver Canucks are continuing to fall apart as they have lost nine games in a row and 11 of their past 12. They are dead last in the NHL by six points with more games played and the playoffs are a very long shot this season and even beyond. This is a team that has fallen apart and the high-end pieces that had gotten them to the second round just two seasons ago are all gone or not performing like they once had.

With Quinn Hughes traded for a number of pieces, there's no needing to perform to convince him to stay any longer. That was the first ball to drop in an inevitable rebuild that the team may or may not be willing to commit to just yet. If they do and Elias Pettersson, arguably the best player on the team, is traded, then there are certain elements of a return that are likely to be met.

David Pagnotta said, "I would expect three quality pieces here coming back. A first-round pick, a top-2 center, and then another big asset. That's kind of what you're probably looking at. It's going to be a hefty price." Let's break down these probable pieces.

Pettersson is the Canucks' top line center, is on the top power-play unit, and kills penalties. He's the only forward who plays at least 20 minutes per game, has 13 goals and 29 points in 39 games. While that is underperforming offensively from what he has been able to do, the weak lineup and players around him don't contribute much to help.

A healthy Filip Chytil and Teddy Blueger can probably cover center on lines two and three, so even if the Canucks don't get a top line center back, at least having someone who can fill the spot of Pettersson is needed. The Canucks got a first-round pick back from the Minnesota Wild as part of the Hughes deal, so adding a third pick in the first round this year or next can really help turn things around in a few years. As for the third piece that is described as a big asset, this could mean a prospect or even a player. That part is unclear, but they will have to have value.

Pettersson's contract is $11.6 million AAV for six more years. If he can once again get back to a point-per-game player and have better linemates and teammates, he can get to that level again. But that isn't going to come on the Canucks. Money will be coming back, like it did with Marco Rossi in the Hughes deal. We will have to wait and see if anything comes about this season for Pettersson.