The Vancouver Canucks have undergone major changes following a disastrous season in which the club finished bottom of the league standings. On that note, franchise legends Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin were officially promoted to Co-Presidents of Hockey Operations, giving them full control over the team’s hockey decisions.
As part of the organizational overhaul, the Sedins also hired longtime executive Ryan Johnson as the 13th general manager in franchise history. As Johnson made his plans clear for the franchise, one Canucks insider is questioning his approach when it comes to Elias Pettersson.
Insider Calls Out Canucks Over Elias Pettersson Situation
The situation surrounding Elias Pettersson in Vancouver has quickly shifted from a disappointing slump to a major franchise concern. Just two years after signing an eight-year, $92.8 million extension, the Canucks star has found himself at the center of growing trade speculation.
After recording 102 points three whole seasons ago, Pettersson struggled badly this season, finishing with just 51 points in 74 games. His rough year also included a 14-game goal drought and a team-worst minus-30 rating.
Despite the disappointing campaign, the Canucks are not expected to seriously explore trading him. His massive cap hit, no-trade clause, and declining value make a deal extremely difficult. Instead, ownership, along with Ryan Johnson and the Sedin brothers, has emphasized helping Pettersson reset mentally and bounce back next season.
NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal strongly disagreed with that approach. “The only thing I didn’t like about that press conference was the answer about Elias Pettersson,” Dhaliwal said. “Johnson says he wants to wipe away expectations. Why? You’re paying him $11.6 million. You should demand elite performance.”
Dhaliwal then compared Pettersson’s situation to Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon, pointing to the drive, preparation, and accountability expected from the league’s highest-paid players.
“Then Sedin said it again. He’s got to work harder in the summer. Preparation needs to be better. Move your feet. Prepare better. Work harder,” Dhaliwal added. “Why is this organization begging its highest-paid player to do things he should already be doing? It’s insane. Do other teams have to say this about their star players?” Dhaliwal asked.
He also questioned whether Vancouver’s new leadership group can succeed where previous executives failed.
In Dhaliwal’s view, Vancouver may eventually be better off moving on from Pettersson after back-to-back disappointing seasons.
The Canucks appear headed toward a full rebuild, and Pettersson’s contract could become a major burden if his struggles continue. At the same time, trading a franchise-caliber talent when his value is at its absolute lowest rarely works out well for the team giving him up.
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For now, all eyes will be on Pettersson heading into next season as Vancouver hopes its star center can rediscover his elite form.
