NHL Rumors: Canucks Trading Elias Pettersson Is Not Impossible

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 , , ,
Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson skates with the puck during 2025 game.

The idea of the Vancouver Canucks trading Elias Pettersson once felt untouchable, especially following his eight-year contract extension, which he is just in the second year of.

That’s no longer the case. According to The Province’s Patrick Johnston, it would be “not impossible” for the Canucks to move their top center as the organization leans deeper into a true reset. Calls have come in, interest exists, and while nothing appears imminent, the fact Pettersson’s name is even circulating speaks to how dramatically Vancouver’s direction has shifted.

Pettersson, still just 27, remains an intriguing player around the league. He’s no longer scoring at the elite pace fans grew accustomed to, but his two-way value hasn’t disappeared. He’s a former Calder Trophy winner, a 102-point producer in 2022-23, and a Selke-caliber defensive center when his game is dialed in. 

This season and last season's offensive dip has cooled his market, yet teams continue to view him as a strong top-six center who can drive play, kill penalties, and handle tough matchups down the middle.

Why Elias Pettersson Is Suddenly in Trade Conversations

Johnston noted that teams are still intrigued by Pettersson despite the production slide, with his defensive reliability keeping his value afloat. Clubs like the Carolina Hurricanes have shown past interest, and teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks or San Jose Sharks, who already have young franchise centers, could theoretically view Pettersson as a high-end complementary piece rather than a true No. 1. 

Pettersson doesn’t need to carry an offense alone to be effective, and in the right structure, his value could rebound quickly.

The challenge, of course, is the contract. Pettersson is signed at an $11.6 million cap hit through 2032 and carries a full no-trade clause, giving him complete control over any move. 

That reality narrows the market and complicates the return. As Johnston and other insiders have pointed out, Vancouver would likely need to retain salary to generate meaningful interest, and even then, the Canucks may not be thrilled with the offers coming back right now.

What a Pettersson Trade Would Say About the Canucks’ Rebuild

The Canucks have already shown they’re willing to make uncomfortable decisions, and Johnston framed Pettersson’s situation as part of a bigger question: if you’re rebuilding, how aggressive are you willing to be? 

Holding onto players simply because they were once pillars can slow that process down.

That doesn’t mean a trade is imminent. General manager Patrik Allvin may prefer to let Pettersson rebuild his value over the final months of the season or revisit the market in the offseason. 

But the takeaway from Johnston’s reporting is that Elias Pettersson is no longer untouchable.

Photo Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | MLB Rumors