NHL News: Despite committing to Elias Pettersson for the long-haul, Canucks reportedly have yet to address key area of concern

While the Vancouver Canucks made a key decision about their future—and that of Elias Pettersson—during the NHL offseason, it didn’t translate to the organization wiping the slate clean. As things stand, there is still a massive void in the lineup, one that not even Pettersson’s presence can fill.

Much needs to fall into place for the Canucks to truly compete in the 2025-26 NHL season. However, Vancouver might be on the right track, especially after a productive offseason. Only one thing is missing, though, and it could put the Canucks out of order before the new campaign even got underway.

After much speculation and suspense, the Canucks ultimately decided to keep Pettersson in town. Of course, they could still dangle him in trade talks, but that would now require the Swedish centerman to waive his no-movement clause (NMC)—something that doesn’t seem remotely likely at this point.

Down the middle

Still, locking down Pettersson was only one step in Vancouver’s broader plan. The real challenge now lies in strengthening the depth at the center position. “I do think their number one priority is to bring in another player that can play the middle of the ice,” insider Cam Robinson stated on the Sekeres and Price podcast.

Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks during the 2023 NHL All-Star Skills Competition at FLA Live Arena on February 03, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida.

The frontrunner

It doesn’t take long to do the math—the Canucks need to bolster their center depth, and UFA Jack Roslovic could arrive in Vancity to do just that. That’s the easy part of the equation, at least. If only doing business in the NHL were that simple.

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According to Robinson, the former Carolina Hurricanes’ skater is looking to sign a three-year deal with his next team. It’d be fitting, as he’s coming off a one-year contract with the organization in Raleigh. After a productive season, the 28-year-old is now looking for job security. As things stand, he’s yet to be fully convinced on where his next chapter should be.

Work in progress

“There’s still a few teams looking at him, I’ve heard five or six [teams],” Elliotte Friedman said about the market on Roslovic on the 32 Thoughts Podcast.

While the Canucks appear to be the team most interested in Roslovic, they have yet to make any substantial progress with the forward—leaving the door wide open for another NHL franchise to swoop in and ruin Vancouver’s plans.