Even though the Vancouver Canucks retain his rights and he is an integral part of their offense, Elias Pettersson is piquing the desires of some organizations in the National Hockey League (NHL).
On TSN on Tuesday, journalist Pierre LeBrun mentioned that certain teams had contacted the Canucks to discuss the Swede, who will be eligible for salary arbitration this summer. Signing a three-year, $22.05 million deal is one of the main reasons Vancouver is at the top of the standings, as he has 75 points in 61 games this season.
• Also read: NHL: The Senators experienced one of the most embarrassing evenings in their history
• Also read: MacKinnon and Makar are rewriting the history of the Avalanche… and the Nordiques
• Also read: NHL: Crosby and the Penguins attempt a spectacular comeback
However, the competition is well aware that Pettersson could test the free agent market for the first time in 2025. If negotiations between the hockey player and his club fail, several managing directors may be willing to try their luck.
“I've made a few calls in the last few hours and the information is true: there are teams that have called to talk to the Canucks. However, I think people in Vancouver wonder why they hang up and say nothing. They answer calls. However, I don't think he will be traded. “It would be crazy if that happened before March 8, when the club is in first place and having a special year,” LeBrun said, adding that Pettersson could very well sign a long-term contract in the summer.
In January, agent JP Barry told TSN that his client's case required patience.
“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 are undoubtedly patient.”