Against his will, Elias Pettersson is creating a lot of buzz behind the scenes in the National Hockey League and the Vancouver Canucks are reportedly looking to silence the speculative traders, but the bill could be steep.
As Daily Faceoff hockey expert Frank Seravalli suggested earlier this week, the two parties involved could confirm the signing of an eight-year contract in the coming days. However, TSN network journalist Darren Dreger mentioned on Thursday's broadcast that the Swede would be the seventh player in the tournament to have an annual impact of $11.5 million on a team's total.
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“Pettersson's agents Pat Brisson and JP Barry contacted Canucks management on Tuesday and discussions have continued throughout the week. “They're negotiating a variety of options,” Dreger said, adding that the total amount of the potential contract could be close to William Nylander's eight-year, $92 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs that will begin next season.
In 2023–2024, Pettersson accumulated 75 points, including 29 goals in 62 games. Since he is on a three-year, $22.05 million contract, he is eligible for salary arbitration this summer.
The Fall of the Hurricanes
Additionally, the Carolina Hurricanes have been rumored to be linked to Pettersson in recent days. Sportsnet journalist Elliotte Friedman revealed on Thursday that they had spoken with the Canucks about the possibility of a transaction to acquire the renowned player.
However, David Pagnotta of the website “The Fourth Period” added a grain of salt by confirming that the names of Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Martin Necas had been mentioned in the discussions, but without specifying the exact and complete replacement that the “ Canes” were ready to offer at the time.
“KK” continues to deliver highs and lows in Raleigh. The owner of an eight-year, $38.56 million contract is in the second year of his contract and the return on capital is unsatisfactory. This season he scored 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points in 60 games, with a margin of -8.