Elias Pettersson is coming off a rollercoaster 2024-25 NHL season, and so are the Vancouver Canucks, who endured drama after drama under their roof. The spotlight shifted toward the team’s locker room rather than the action on the ice. At times, the Canucks felt trapped in a reality show no one signed up to be in. However, the Canucks-Pettersson saga hasn’t written its final chapter yet, as reported by an insider.
Pettersson and the Canucks have truly been through the wringer as of late. The star centerman failed to reach expectations during the 24-25 NHL season—his first under the eight-year, $92.8M extension he signed in Vancouver. In addition to the plummet in production, Pettersson starred in a league-wide controversy due to his rift with former teammate J.T. Miller.
It was all too much for the Canucks to endure, with many calling for the organization to move on from Pettersson. However, it’s never easy letting go a former first-round selection. The Canucks addressed all their options, but they have reportedly made a final decision.
As reported by insider Pierre LeBrun, the Canucks aren’t moving on from Pettersson ahead of the new NHL calendar year on July 1st. The team believes in him—particularly that the Swede can shrug off the concerns surrounding his character. Pettersson’s skill set admits little scrutiny. It’s only a matter of being in the right state of mind for him to replicate his 102-point campaign from two seasons ago.
“Never say never, but all signs point to the Canucks keeping Elias Pettersson, whose full no-move clause kicks in July 1,” LeBrun wrote on The Athletic. “The Canucks are encouraged by Pettersson’s approach this offseason… It sounds like Vancouver wants to keep him.”
No turning back
It wasn’t an easy decision for the Canucks. It definitely wasn’t one they took lightly as the future of the franchise had high stakes riding on it. Pettersson’s contract extension has much more implications than financially for Vancouver. On July 1st, the deal will include a full no-movement clause (NMC). Therefore, the Canucks had time until the end of June to ship their star away.
If they end up regretting their decision, the Canucks would need Pettersson to waive his NMC in order to complete a trade. Thus, the organization’s reported verdict to keep him carries long-term consequences. The jury is still out—and will be for a long time.
Vancouver’s nice guy
To no one’s surprise, the Canucks had only one representative in the voting of the Lady Bing Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player with the best sportsmanship in the NHL. At least that’s the short description.
The longer version states the award is given to “the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.” Los Angeles Kings star Anze Kopitar was named this year’s winner.
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Do you agree with Vancouver's reportedly deciding to keep Pettersson?
already voted 26 fans
Obviously, neither J.T. Miller nor Elias Pettersson were in the running for this season’s award. Quinn Hughes was the lone Canucks player to be named for the 2024-25 Lady Bing Memorial Trophy. He received two votes, a fourth-place and a fifth-place ballot.