Star players usually attract trade interest because of what they can add to a contender. Elias Pettersson’s situation is different, as the conversation has become as much about risk as talent. Every team considering a move must decide whether his recent play is a temporary setback or the beginning of a longer decline.
This growing uncertainty leads directly into the latest update surrounding his market.
Insider Details What’s Hurting Canucks Veteran Elias Pettersson’s Trade Value
Pettersson remains one of the NHL’s most recognizable centers, but his trade value has become one of the league’s biggest talking points.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, rival teams are no longer worried about just one disappointing campaign. Instead, they are questioning whether his recent struggles reflect a deeper issue.
Speaking on Oilers Now, LeBrun said, “Teams I’ve talked to who have really looked at it closely with Pettersson really struggle to view the bounceback, that the malaise in his game is not just one year; it scares a lot of teams.”
This concern comes after Pettersson’s production dropped well below the level expected from a player carrying an $11.6 million annual cap hit. After posting 102 points in 2022-23, he tallied 45 points in 64 games during 2024-25 and finished 2025-26 with 15 goals, 36 assists, 51 points, and a -30 rating in 74 games.
Pettersson is signed through the 2031-32 season on an 8-year, $92.8 million deal and owns a full no-movement clause. This means any trade requires his approval, limiting Vancouver’s flexibility.
The Canucks also face another challenge during negotiations. Rival teams know Vancouver has shifted its approach and is no longer insisting on an established top-line player in return. Reports indicate the organization is now open to futures-based packages built around prospects and draft picks while also considering retaining Pettersson’s salary.
This change signals a greater willingness to complete a deal, but it also gives interested teams leverage. Rather than rushing to meet a high asking price, potential buyers can afford to be patient, hoping Vancouver becomes more flexible as trade discussions continue.
League executives are reportedly hesitant because they no longer view him as a guaranteed No. 1 center. Beyond the statistics, LeBrun indicated that scouts have also questioned Pettersson’s body language and overall engagement, making teams cautious about committing significant assets and cap space.
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Teams such as the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, and Los Angeles Kings have reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring him. However, unless front offices become convinced that Pettersson can rediscover the form that once made him a 102-point player, his contract and recent performance may continue to outweigh his undeniable talent.
