Elias Pettersson is entering the second NHL season of his eight-year contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks after a rollercoaster campaign. Now, the organization in Vancity faces a big decision regarding their star center, but have reportedly already made up their mind.
Pettersson failed to produce during his first season after signing the ludicrous contact in Vancouver, in which he earned a total salary of $14.5M. With an AAV of $11.6M, the Canucks expected much better results from their star, who produced just 45 points (15G, 30A) in 64 games.
Pettersson’s conflict with J.T. Miller—which ultimately led to Miller’s departure from Vancouver—has also brought attention to his off-ice issues, with many suggesting the franchise should move on from the Swedish centerman. However, they would need to act quickly, as Pettersson’s contract will include a no-movement clause (NMC) once the NHL calendar turns on July 1st.
Following that date, any deal the organization works out to ship Pettersson away would need the player’s consensus, who would have to waive his NMC. Regardless, despite the headaches it can bring, it seems the Canucks aren’t giving up on their star just yet.
Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks waits for a face-off during the first period of their NHL game against the Boston Bruins at Rogers Arena on February 25, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
“The Canucks know what the offers are for Elias Pettersson, but they would rather solve their problem than trade their problem,” insider Elliotte Friedman reported during his show on Sportsnet 590.
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Nothing’s new
Trade discussions involving Pettersson have become commonplace in Vancouver, where the 26-year-old has been the talk of the town for quite some time now. However, it seems there is always something to stop him from leaving, or the Canucks from shipping him away.
If a trade isn’t completed before the start of the new month—and the NHL’s new league year—Pettersson’s no-movement clause (NMC) will kick in, potentially blocking any deal from going through.
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At the moment, Pettersson and the Canucks are set to write another chapter in their joint story book, but it could all change in the blink of an eye, as an offer from around the NHL could be the difference between Pettersson staying in British Columbia or setting for new horizons.
