Bob Frid-Imagn Images

NHL Insider Hints at Canucks' Decision on Elias Pettersson Before Key Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 8:36 AM ET

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

But despite the internal drama and a steep drop in production from star Elias Pettersson, the franchise appears committed to keeping its franchise forward in place.

Pettersson’s 2024–25 campaign marked a steep downturn in form, with the forward scoring just 15 goals and 45 points in 64 games, a stark contrast to the 102 points he posted in the 2022-23 season.

Lingering injury issues and reported locker room tension with then-teammate J.T. Miller clouded his year, raising speculation about whether Vancouver might explore a trade before Pettersson earns the right to block any and every move.

Is this an off season like no other? Why are there so few selling teams? Let me explain. Plus the latest on on a number of fronts as the summer market heats up. My latest Rumblings for ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ ⤵️ https://t.co/PPiTUG6Mjf
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 11, 2025

Pettersson signed an eight-year, $92.8 million extension in March 2024, which runs through the 2031–32 season.

Once his full no-move clause kicks in on July 1, the Canucks will need his approval for any deal.

However, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun poured cold water on those rumors in a report for The Athletic.

“Never say never, but all signs point to the Canucks keeping Elias Pettersson, whose full no-move clause kicks in July 1,” LeBrun wrote. “The Canucks are encouraged by Pettersson’s approach this offseason.

“While production over the past two years hasn’t matched his $11.6 million salary, there were teams monitoring that situation given how thin the UFA market is.

“But it sounds like Vancouver wants to keep him.”

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."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: