Carolina Hurricanes Linked to Elias Pettersson

The Carolina Hurricanes continue to look for additions after drawing links to Artemi Panarin earlier this season. Now, rumors once again connect the Hurricanes to forward Elias Pettersson, a storyline that has surfaced repeatedly over the past few years. Vancouver’s struggles this season have fueled the speculation more than ever, especially after the team moved on from defenseman Quinn Hughes and forward Kiefer Sherwood. The question is no longer if another move will happen, but when—and who the next domino will be. While several teams have surfaced in Pettersson rumors, Carolina stands out as a logical fit. Eric Tulsky is no stranger to making surprising trades. In his first year as General Manager, he traded for Mikko Rantanen and then a month later sent him to Dallas in the deal that brought in Logan Stankoven.

Pettersson, this season in 48 games, has 34 points on 13 goals and 21 assists. He’s a -15 with two power-play goals and a shorthanded goal. Pettersson is under contract until 2032 and has a no-movement clause, which would mean does he want to go to Carolina. If the teams reach a trade agreement, Pettersson would need to approve it. With the roster freeze ahead of the Olympics taking effect tomorrow, a deal involving Pettersson remains unlikely before then. Expect trade conversations to pick up once the freeze is lifted.

Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster

Trade Options

What could a return to Vancouver look like for Carolina to get a deal done? Expect Jesperi Kotkaniemi to be a part of the deal, which he was already rumored to be a part of a trade to try to acquire Philip Danault from the Kings. After Kotkaniemi, a roster player will likely also need to be included. The main piece that would entice Vancouver would be either a first-round draft pick or a young piece, such as someone like Alexander Nikishin, Jackson Blake, or Bradly Nadeau.

I personally can’t see Blake being moved, so that leaves Nikishin and Nadeau. Nadeau would be easier to part with than the other options listed. He is currently blocked with the way the roster is currently constructed, and they’re still without Eric Robinson as it is, so if a deal were made with Nadeau included, it would be enough to get a deal done.

Elias Pettersson

The Canucks drafted Pettersson fifth overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He made his debut with Vancouver on October 3rd against the Calgary Flames. He wasted no time scoring his first goal as he did so in the first period; he also recorded an assist in that game. Pettersson finished that season playing in 71 games, recording 66 points on 28 goals and 38 assists. He was a plus-three with ten power-play goals and seven game-winning goals. Pettersson won the Calder Memorial Trophy.

• Detroit Red Wings Linked to Elias Pettersson
• 3 Possible Destinations for Elias Pettersson
• Could Detroit Revive Elias Pettersson?
• Vancouver Canucks Sign Marcus Pettersson to Six-Year Extension
• Analyzing Detroit’s Best Trade Options