Blue Jackets Gaining Traction in Pettersson Trade Talk

The Columbus Blue Jackets have emerged as a potential trade destination for Vancouver Canucks star forward Elias Pettersson, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun on Insider Trading. LeBrun reports that preliminary discussions have taken place between the two teams, though it’s unclear how serious those talks may become.

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As trade talks continue to surround J.T Miller and Pettersson, the latter is 26 and in the first season of an eight-year, $11.6 million contract. He’s the more dynamic of the two forwards, but he’s also seen as the more sensitive, possibly inconsistent of the two. While he posted a career-high 102 points in 2022-23, his production has dipped this season, recording just 11 goals and 21 assists through 44 games.

The Canucks have reportedly been exploring trades for both Pettersson and Miller, with the Rangers, Hurricanes, and a couple of other teams potentially linked to Miller. However, because of a now-confirmed rift between the two, the Canucks might move both just to start fresh.

However, discussions with Columbus have strictly centered on Pettersson.

The Blue Jackets are well-positioned to make a significant trade. They have the most available cap space in the NHL, own two first-round picks in this year’s draft, and possess one of the league’s deepest prospect pools. Sportsnet’s Rick Dhaliwal suggested that Columbus was an ideal trade partner for Vancouver when rumors of a problem between Pettersson and Miller first surfaced. Now that this has lingered on for several weeks, it appears the Blue Jackets are poking around again.

Could the Blue Jackets Be Pushing All In?

If Columbus wants to make a splash, Pettersson would be a good way to do it. “I don’t really feel the Canucks would be super excited about moving Pettersson within the Western Conference,” Dhaliwal said. “If he pops off in a few years, you don’t want to see that happening in your rink four times a season.”

The Blue Jackets, currently in the hunt for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot, would benefit from adding an elite center. What they’re willing to give up and what the Canucks are asking for isn’t clear. Conversations may not have gone that far. LeBrun said that most teams talking to the Canucks are waiting in the hopes the price on Pettersson and Miller will drop.

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