With the offseason in full swing, the Vancouver Canucks are facing critical decisions. After missing the playoffs and seeing star forward Elias Pettersson struggle through a difficult year, rumors swirled endlessly about whether the team might consider moving its highest-paid player.
But as July 1 inches closer — the date his no-trade clause kicks in — the chatter is starting to cool. While the situation raised eyebrows across the league, a respected NHL insider has weighed in to calm the storm, offering clarity on where the Canucks stand with their franchise centerpiece.
Vancouver Canucks Appear Set To Stick With Elias Pettersson Despite Trade Chatter
After a disappointing 2024–25 season for both the Canucks and Pettersson, it’s no surprise the rumor mill began spinning. Pettersson, who inked an eight-year, $92.8 million deal back in March 2024, failed to live up to expectations.
He managed just 15 goals and 45 points in 64 games, a significant dip from the 102-point campaign he posted just two seasons ago. Add to that, whispers of locker-room tension and nagging injury issues, and speculation about his future naturally followed.
But according to trusted NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the Canucks aren’t looking to make a blockbuster move.
Writing in The Athletic, LeBrun stated, “Never say never, but all signs point to the Canucks keeping Elias Pettersson, whose full no-move clause kicks in July 1. The Canucks are encouraged by Pettersson’s approach this offseason. While his production over the past two years hasn’t matched his $11.6 million salary, there were teams monitoring that situation given how thin the UFA market is. But it sounds like Vancouver wants to keep him.”
LeBrun: Canucks ‘leaning toward’ keeping Elias Pettersson; ‘encouraged’ by offseason approach https://t.co/YUbOzea1YX
— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) June 12, 2025
The timing is key. Pettersson’s no-move clause is set to take effect on July 1, meaning the Canucks only have a limited window to explore any potential deals without needing his consent. But based on the latest reports, it doesn’t look like they’re pursuing that path.
For his part, Pettersson hasn’t tried to evade criticism. Back in March, the 26-year-old acknowledged the struggles he faced throughout the year, including both his drop in scoring and the challenges of managing expectations as the face of the franchise. That level of self-awareness, paired with the team’s apparent confidence in him, may be enough to push through the slump.
For now, one thing seems clear: the Canucks are betting on Pettersson. Despite the swirling rumors, the franchise appears committed to giving their star forward a fresh start and another chance to prove he’s worth every penny of that $92.8 million deal.