Elias Pettersson and Vancouver Canucks Complete The Story

Pettersson’s new contract with the Canucks carries an annual average value of $11.6 million.

Pettersson will receive $47 million in signing bonus money. In addition, Pettersson received a no-movement clause from the Vancouver Canucks.

The Canucks can extend and keep their number-one center, who has been one of the best players and two-way players since entering the league. There was a reason he won the Calder Trophy with 66 points (28 goals and 38 assists) in 71 games. He beat the previous record holders Pavel Bure and Ivan Hlinka, who had 60 points each.

“This is a very important signing for the Vancouver Canucks,” said General Manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement. “Elias is one of the top players in the National Hockey League and is a key member of our leadership group. We know his best days are ahead of him and with his high end skill and desire to be the best, we look forward to seeing Elias succeed and grow. This signing is another example of our ownerships’ unwavering commitment to do what ever it takes to help us be a successful organization.”

The Vancouver Canucks have been one of the surprising teams this season. They remain in first place in the Pacific Division despite their dip in play. Vancouver has made to contend this season by going “All-In” with their Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm acquisitions. Both players have been solid for the Canucks. However, the big issue remains Elias Pettersson.

As Full Press Hockey noted in an NHL Rumors segment and on the Full Press NHL Podcast, Pettersson would wait until the end of the year to discuss a new deal. This has been the plan all along. It was the same plan a fellow Swede followed in William Nylander. Nylander ultimately ended up re-signing with the Maple Leafs. Pettersson’s is $100,000 more than his buddy Nylander’s, which is at $11.5 million.

Things have changed a little bit throughout the last couple of weeks. Talks intensified over the past week as the parties inched closer to an extension. His play has dipped slightly because of this distraction, but if the Canucks and Pettersson get something pulled off, it would be around eight years with a $12 million AAV. The deal came in slightly under that at $11.6 million. He is a restricted free agent, and there is no pressure to sign it. When Pettersson is ready to sign it, he will sign it.

Vancouver looked at a trade to Carolina. Apparently, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Martin Necas were brought up as part of a return to Vancouver. But again, does Carolina want to pay a player over $10 million a season? Was that part of the reason the deal did not go through? It was a reason why Dougie Hamilton did not re-sign with the Hurricanes—something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Ultimately, the Canucks get their man in Pettersson to agree to an extension six days before the trade deadline. It is a win-win for both the organization and the player.

Pettersson has 75 points (29 goals and 46 assists) in 62 games this season with the Canucks. Last season, he had 102 points for the Cancuks. He has 398 points (165 goals and 233) in his career in 387 games. He also has 18 points (seven goals and 11 assists) in 17 games in the 2019-20 Stanley Cup Playoffs.