When Vancouver Canucks co-president of hockey operations Henrik Sedin spoke passionately about developing a stronger and consistent culture to set the strict standard, the conversation inevitably pivoted to the mercurial Elias Pettersson.
Elias Pettersson at a Crossroads
Does the struggling centre want to be part of the roster rebuild? Can he regain his form to at least be a 70-point producer? Or does he need a change of scenery—and would he waive his no-movement clause?
Henrik Sedin offered a telling response on the 100% Canucks podcast: “It’s up to him now. We’ve all been here to help him. But in the end, this is professional sports.”
General manager Ryan Johnson was buoyed by a lengthy and open conversation to get to know the player and the person, but the franchise is at a crossroads. The Canucks are talking tough and entertaining trade offers, which could be a means to warn Pettersson that the leash to gauge his commitment is short and could be tugged at any moment.
Trade Possibilities for Pettersson
There are clubs who believe Pettersson, 27, could rebound. The Los Angeles Kings need a centre with Anze Kopitar retiring, and the Detroit Red Wings need one after Dylan Larkin requested a trade. However, interest is tempered by sticker shock: Pettersson carries a massive US$11.6 million cap hit for six more seasons.
If the Canucks are willing to retain salary—a tough sell to ownership—Pettersson might be open to Southern California, where scrutiny is less, winters are warm, and his wife lived for 13 years. One option is to get all of Pettersson’s money off the books and ask for nothing in return, but that’s risky. Eating some salary and getting at least a prime prospect from the Red Wings makes sense, but would Pettersson waive to go to the Motor City? Doubtful.
The Canucks could push for a centre in either Nate Danielson, 21, a 2023 first-round pick, or Marco Kasper, 22, a first-rounder in 2022, and ask for more sweeteners. As for the Kings, they are unlikely to part with Quinton Byfield, 23, the second-overall pick in 2020. Without a pivot among top prospects, the return would be a mixed bag.
Jake DeBrusk Trade Talks
Jake DeBrusk has talked about his future, and the Canucks are trying to find the winger a suitable landing spot. A source said “I think they would” when asked if the Ottawa Senators would part with their 25th pick in a swap for DeBrusk. The winger wants to join a contender, and the improving Senators are on the cusp, but the Edmonton native might not waive his NMC.
The Senators later acquired winger William Eklund, 23, from San Jose, along with Kasper Halttunen and rights to Brandon Svoboda, in exchange for the ninth overall pick. Eklund had only 15 goals this season and has never scored more than 17 in the NHL. He has three years left on his deal at $5.6 million annually. DeBrusk, 29, has a cap hit of $5.5 million for five more years.
Teddy Blueger's Uncertain Future
Teddy Blueger, 31, is a penalty-kill specialist and culture carrier. With an expiring contract and the team in a rebuild, he is reportedly testing the free-agent market on July 1. The Canucks might circle back and get him on a short-term deal at a modest bump on his $1.8 million cap hit. A source said Tuesday that “anything can happen and I think it’s heading toward UFA, but not set in stone.”
Blueger's situation is dependent on a possible trade with the Montreal Canadiens for veteran winger Brendan Gallagher. At 34, the former Vancouver Giants standout has a year left on his contract at a $6.5 million cap hit and $4 million in actual salary. The Canucks could ask for a sweetener in the form of a draft pick because the Canadiens won’t retain salary. Gallagher measures up as a short-term mentor, and in his own way, so does Blueger.
