Vancouver Canucks Working On Elias Pettersson Trade; 3 Teams Linked

The Vancouver Canucks have committed to a full rebuild and after moving captain Quinn Hughes, the attention has turned to forward Elias Pettersson. The Canucks have held trade conversations the past two seasons on Pettersson, and from all accounts, it sounds like these talks have advanced this season, and they are closer than ever to moving him.

Pettersson, 27, is signed through the 2032 season at a whopping $11.6 million, and this season has a full no-movement clause. Word is the team has been very open with Pettersson and have kept him in the loop on which teams are interested to this point. 

Pettersson's appeared in 38 games this season and is leading the Canucks with 28 points. Considering he's the team leader in scoring, it shows you how it's gone from bad to worse this season in Vancouver, and they've had no choice but to hit the reset button.

As far as interested teams, the San Jose Sharks, Carolina Hurricanes, and Detroit Red Wings could have interest, but there's no doubt the Canucks are going to have to retain some of the remaining salary, which is sounds like they are open to if it means a more significant package is heading back the other way.

"It's our duty to take calls on everyone," Canucks president Jim Rutherford told The Province's Patrick Johnston in response to the Pettersson report.

The intent at the start was to not get into any core player. It may very well end up staying that way. But it certainly would not make any sense for (general manager) Patrik (Allvin) to not listen to anybody.

Put it this way, Rutherford and Allvin are open for business and there's a very good chance they pull the trigger on moving Pettersson, and getting out of that massive contract.

Photo credit:  Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images