The Vancouver Canucks are dealing with a difficult season as losses continue to mount. But they have already indicated their path forward and are seen as potential sellers, as seen in earlier trades of Kiefer Sherwood and others. With the trade deadline closed, attention has turned toward the future of other players on the team.
Much of that focus centers on Elias Pettersson, whose name has surfaced often in recent reports.
Elias Pettersson Speaks Out as Vancouver Canucks Weigh Options
With the NHL trade deadline just days away, Pettersson has continued to skate for Vancouver while his name is circulating widely as a potential trade target. The 27-year-old has heard the rumors but has made it clear he does not believe they are coming from within the organization.
Speaking to NHL’s Kevin Woodley, Pettersson said, “It’s [the media] who makes the trade rumor, so ask yourself,” pushing back on the outside discussion.
Right now, Vancouver holds a record of 18-35-7 with 43 points and just two wins in 21 games since early January. The team most recently lost 6-1 to the Dallas Stars and remains at the bottom of the Pacific Division.
On the other hand, Pettersson has 35 points in 52 games this season, which falls short of the level he reached during his 102-point campaign in 2022–23. His offense has dropped significantly, and if his current pace continues, he is projected to finish the season with nearly 50 points.
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The forward has openly acknowledged that his play has not matched expectations tied to his contract. “I haven’t lived up to expectations of the contract, and I’ll be the first one to say it,” Pettersson said. “Obviously, I wish it would be different, I’ll have played better, a lot more points, but it is what it is. I’m just trying to play a game tonight and see what happens.”
Pettersson signed an eight-year, $92.8 million extension in 2024 that carries an $11.6 million cap hit through the 2031–32 season and includes a full no-movement clause. That clause gives him control over any potential move and stands as a major factor in trade discussions.
Canucks president Jim Rutherford earlier said the team is not actively shopping him but would listen to strong offers.
“If somebody made just a great offer, we’d have to look at it,” Rutherford said.
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While his scoring numbers have dropped, Pettersson has contributed in other areas, including leading all NHL forwards with 88 blocked shots this season. He also scored twice at the 2026 Winter Olympics, including a game-winner in Sweden’s 5–3 victory over Slovakia.
For now, Pettersson’s focus remains on finishing the season in Vancouver and on raising his level of play.
