Insider Reveals Canucks' Position in Elias Pettersson Trade Talks

Pettersson, who has voiced his preference to remain in Vancouver, was close to being traded to Carolina before the Hurricanes pivoted and completed a blockbuster trade for Mikko Rantanen instead.

Despite the speculation surrounding him, Pagnotta emphasized that the Canucks’ priority is to retain their 26-year-old forward while focusing on other areas of need.

“I think they prefer to (keep him), but they haven’t shied away from inquiries,” Pagnotta said. “They have focused more on J.T. Miller, and there are other elements of the roster that they want to improve upon.”

Vancouver’s wishlist in return for any of their two available forwards, according to Pagnotta, includes a "second-line-caliber scorer" and defensive reinforcements.

According to a report by The Athletic published on Monday, Pettersson "has largely held his trade value despite the injuries, noise, cap hit and disappointing form across the past 12 months."

This season, Pettersson's first after signing an eight-year, $92.8 million extension with the Canucks last March, the forward has scored just 31 points in 43 games, on pace for his worst mark since he scored 21 appearing in 26 games back in 2021.