Even if the Vancouver Canucks hold his rights and he represents a fundamental piece of their offensive, Elias Pettersson arouses the desire of some organizations in the National Hockey League (NHL).
On TSN on Tuesday, journalist Pierre LeBrun mentioned that certain teams had contacted the Canucks to discuss the Swede who will be eligible for salary arbitration this summer. The one completing a three-year, $22.05 million contract is one of the main reasons for Vancouver’s presence at the top of the general ranking, as he has collected 75 points in 61 games this season.
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However, the competition is well aware that Pettersson could test the free agent market for the first time in 2025. If negotiations between the hockey player and his club fail, several general managers will possibly be ready to try their luck.
“I made a few calls in the last few hours and the information is true: there are teams who called to talk to the Canucks. However, in my opinion, in Vancouver, they are wondering why they would hang up on them and not say anything. They will take calls. Except I don’t think he’ll be traded. “It would be crazy for this to take place before March 8, when the club is in first place and is having a special year,” said LeBrun, adding that Pettersson could well sign a long-term agreement in the summer.
In January, agent JP Barry told TSN that patience is required in his client’s case.
“This guy really wants to focus on his game. He’s not [admissible à être] free agent without compensation as was the case for Nylander or [David] Pastrnak before. He has one year left. I don’t know if the people in Vancouver want to hear this: he could easily sign for a year or go to arbitration. Nobody wants that. We are patient, without a doubt.”