Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson‘s name has often been circulating the trade market, but all the noise around him has failed to produce a deal.
Despite interest from multiple teams, Pettersson remains with the Canucks as the offseason progresses. According to insider Rick Dhaliwal, trade talks around Elias Pettersson cooled in the weeks following the 2026 NHL draft.
“They tried at the draft, teams called, but it’s a tough, tough contract to move,” Dhaliwal said on Canucks Conversation, via NHL Rumor Report.
Several major hurdles have blocked any movement. Pettersson carries an average annual value of $11.6 million on an eight-year, $92.8 million contract that runs through the 2031-32 season.
Any potential deal would almost certainly require significant salary retention from the Canucks. He also holds a full no-movement clause, giving him complete control over his destination. For now, the Canucks appear set to open the fresh season with their high-paid center still in the fold.
Whether that changes later in the season will depend heavily on Pettersson’s production and the willingness of another team to absorb a large portion of his contract while meeting Vancouver’s asking price.
Elias Pettersson has not been asked to waive his trade clause
According to reports, teams like the LA Kings, Carolina Hurricanes, and Pittsburgh Penguins have emerged as interested parties in Pettersson. Speaking of the Penguins, they are not ready to accept the player Vancouver wants in return.
“I do believe Pittsburgh has some degree of interest in Elias Pettersson. I am not hearing the rumour that the Canucks have asked for Ben Kindel; no way the Penguins are gonna give up such a promising young player… for a bad contract,” Dhaliwal said.
He also noted that the Canucks haven’t asked Elias Pettersson to waive his no-trade clause, indicating a deal is not close.
“Teams that are desperate at center call; I checked in this morning, Pettersson has not been asked… to waive his no-move; that tells you… there’s nothing close,” Dhaliwal added.
After a 102-point campaign in 2022-23, Pettersson’s production saw a massive dip, managing just 15 goals and 51 points in 74 games last season. While still only 27, the gap between his previous peak and recent output has made teams cautious about the assets they are willing to surrender.
The Swedish center has been with the Canucks for the last eight years, accumulating 508 points (200 goals, 308 assists) in 545 career games.
Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Penguins interested in Elias Pettersson but deal not “close”
Edited by Abhishek Dilta
