While the Vancouver Canucks continue to amaze many observers this season, their forward Elias Pettersson is showing the full extent of his talent without worrying too much about his contract situation.
The 25-year-old Swede, who had a record of 39 goals and 102 points between 2022 and 2023, is maintaining his pace this season, as evidenced by his 19 goals and 52 points in 40 games. Just like his Toronto Maple Leafs compatriot William Nylander, who will receive $92 million over the next eight seasons, the slim hockey player is expected to earn a lot of money in the coming years.
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Additionally, the issue is already drawing attention in British Columbia with Pettersson becoming a restricted free agent this summer. This will be his last year before potentially becoming eligible for full autonomy in 2025. Interactions have also begun between his agent JP Barry and the organization regarding the conclusion of a long-term agreement. However, the affected athlete wants to concentrate primarily on work on the ice.
“This guy really wants to focus on his game. He doesn’t.” [admissible à être] Free agent without compensation, as was the case with Nylander, or [David] Pastrnak before. He still has a year left. I don't know if people in Vancouver want to hear this: He could easily sign for a year or go to arbitration. Nobody wants that. We’re patient, without a doubt,” Barry said during TSN’s “The Ray & Dregs Podcast.”
The figure skater's clan, according to the agent in question, wants to avoid being a source of distraction within a team that leads the Pacific Section of the National League.
“We have reached the stage where we have to sit down. […] We have to assess whether we risk distraction and whether this is related to the customer's wishes. Can this be resolved quietly or do we have to wait until May or June? We need to talk about it.”
The Canucks visit the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.