Vancouver Canucks: NHL Analyst Believes Other Teams Won't Trade for Elias Pettersson

Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Vancouver Canucks: NHL Analyst Believes Other Teams Won't Trade for Elias Pettersson

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Glenn Kaplan | Last updated Mar 4, 2026 11:25 AM ET

The Vancouver Canucks have a 18-35-7 record with 43 points this season. They have played 60 games and have the worst record in the NHL. Vancouver may have the best odds to get the number one overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Gavin McKenna is projected to be the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. However, before the Canucks can potentially think about that, they have to decide what to do with Elias Pettersson at the NHL trade deadline. He is 27 years old and is currently in the prime in his career.

Is Vancouver willing to tear it all down and start all over? This season, Pettersson has played in 52 games. He has scored 13 goals and has recorded 22 assists. His plus/minus rating is -17. There is no doubt that a chance of scenery could help him.

NHL Analyst Wonders If Any NHL Team Would Take on Vancouver Canucks Elias Pettersson's Contract

Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson (40) during a stop in play.Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Many NHL analysts are wondering if Pettersson is going to get traded before the Friday March 6 NHL trade deadline. Pierre LeBrun of TSN thinks it will be hard for other NHL teams to try and trade for him. He said, "I just don't think there's a team yet that can wrap it's mind around feeling totally comfortable swallowing up the rest of that deal."

After this season, he will have six years remaining on his current contract of eight years' worth $92 million. The problem isn't the age. The problem is the hefty contract. Pettersson no doubt can help a good team. Teams who have a good amount of cap space could be willing to make this trade work.

Vancouver is going to have to get a haul back from other teams for a potential Pettersson trade. It feels unlikely that he is going to be traded at the trade deadline this year. However, a trade in the summertime may feel more likely here.

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

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