With just four days remaining before the NHL trade deadline, the Detroit Red Wings are positioning themselves as buyers. They currently hold the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference and are looking to strengthen their roster for a potential deep playoff run.
Now, the Red Wings are reportedly ramping up their pursuit of a $92.8 million forward.
Red Wings Eye $92,800,000 Star
The player in question is Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson. He is in the second year of his eight-year, $92.8 million contract and carries a full no-movement clause, meaning he cannot be traded, waived, or assigned to the minors without his approval.
NHL insider Bruce Garrioch noted that while Pettersson’s NMC complicates matters, it hasn’t stopped interested clubs from checking in. “Detroit Red Wings have been aggressive in their pursuit of the 27-year-old Pettersson,” Garrioch said.
The Red Wings are said to be concerned about their depth down the middle behind captain Dylan Larkin. Pettersson would have an immediate impact on the lineup in Detroit.
General manager Steve Yzerman also has the prospect pool and draft capital necessary to meet a significant asking price, if Vancouver is truly willing to move him.
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Meanwhile, Pettersson’s Canucks appear to be in sell mode after a disappointing season. Sitting near the bottom of the league with an 18-34-7 record. The Canucks have already moved their star players, Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood. And they are also reportedly listening to offers on much of their roster.
Canucks president Jim Rutherford and general manager Patrik Allvin are reportedly taking calls on much of the roster. “The top priority is to move winger Evander Kane… but teams have also been kicking tires on winger Connor Garland,” Garrioch added.
As for Pettersson, he has recorded 13 goals and 35 points in 51 games this season. And his name has been circulating in trade rumors since the 2023-24 campaign.
During Vancouver’s recent 5-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken, he was even benched in the final minutes, a decision head coach Adam Foote said was meant to send a message. “He’s got to be better, and he knows that; he’s aware of that. We need more from him and he’s got to find it… He knows he’s got to be better for us and I’m sure we’ll see that next game,” Foote said after the game.
With the deadline fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether Detroit can turn its interest into a blockbuster deal.
