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Canucks Reportedly Open to Trading Elias Pettersson, But Only Under One Condition

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 1:58 PM ET

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Canucks would be open to trading Elias Pettersson, but the one condition is that they get a good center back.

The Vancouver Canucks are headed into a crucial offseason after missing the playoffs and falling well short of expectations.

But despite the internal drama and a steep drop in production from superstar Elias Pettersson, the organization appears committed to keeping its franchise forward in place; however, they would be willing to listen to offers of a trade.

If the Canucks get a good center in return, they would trade Pettersson

There is one condition, however, which is that they get a good center in return, per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

'The Canucks aren't trading Elias Pettersson unless they're getting a good center back.'
- Elliotte Friedman

Pettersson's 2024-25 campaign marked a steep downturn in productivity, with the forward scoring just 15 goals and 45 points in 64 games, which was a massive contrast to the 102 points he posted in the 2022-23 season.

Lingering injury issues and ongoing locker room tension with then-teammate J.T. Miller ruined his year, and raised speculation about whether Vancouver might explore a trade before Pettersson earns the right to block trades out.

The reason for this is that once his full no-move clause kicks in on July 1, the Canucks will need his approval for any trade they want to make.

Pettersson signed an eight-year, $92.8 million extension in March 2024, which goes all the way until the 2031-32 season.

However, another NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, truly believes the Canucks will hang on to Pettersson for the duration or his contract, or at least most of it.

Pettersson, meanwhile, acknowledged his season-long struggles back in March.

'I'll just be honest: I haven't been the way I want to be this year. I haven't played to expectations I have on myself, the franchise has on me. So I'll be the first to tell you, but that's in the past,' Pettersson told Sportsnet.
'I just want to take these last 22 games, plus more hopefully, and play my best hockey. I wish we had more wins, I wish we had played a lot better, but can't dwell on that anymore. And just trying to look ahead.'

Buckle up Canucks fans, the next few weeks are going to be very, very interesting and entertaining.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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