NHL Trades and Rumors
Elias Pettersson Linked to Reunion With Former Head Coach
Rick Tocchet and the Philadelphia Flyers are one of many teams rumored to have interest in Elias Pettersson.
Elias Pettersson’s name has been a staple in the rumor mill for years, but this time, it appears the Vancouver Canucks might truly be willing to move their former fifth overall pick (2017).
Chatter around Pettersson has picked up following Patrik Allvin’s admission that the Canucks are in a rebuild, and TSN insider Darren Dreger then added more fuel to the fire with his report that Vancouver is indeed listening to offers on their star center.
That could be easier said than done, given his contract and full no-movement clause that comes with it; however, that hasn’t and won’t stop teams from calling with interest in acquiring the four-time All-Star.
Fellow insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period recently listed a handful of suitors, including one intriguing possibility: a reunion with Rick Tocchet on the Philadelphia Flyers.
“The Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings have been rumoured to have interest in Pettersson in the past and could circle back on him between now and the March 6 trade deadline. The Montreal Canadiens and San Jose Sharks are also in the market for a top-two centre and may also inquire,”
The 27-year-old Pettersson has tallied 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 38 games played on the season. He’s in year two of the eight-year, $92.8 million extension he signed with the Canucks back in 2024, which, of course, includes a full no-movement clause.
Would an Elias Pettersson-Rick Tocchet Reunion Work?
Pettersson and Tocchet’s time together didn’t end all that smoothly—though not because of their own relationship, but rather due to the rift between J.T. Miller and Pettersson, which made things uncomfortable for everyone else involved.
Tocchet is a demanding coach, particularly when it comes to defensive responsibility, an area where Pettersson has improved tremendously, especially this season. What’s been missing is the offensive production that earned him an $11.6 million extension—something that could very well resurface with a change of scenery.
The Canucks will undoubtedly want a strong package in return for a player once envisioned as a franchise cornerstone alongside Quinn Hughes. Fortunately, the Flyers do have the draft capital and prospects to provide them with that, along with the cap flexibility to make the money work.
While a reunion with Tocchet might sound risky given the fallout in Vancouver, there’s reason to believe Philadelphia could be a solid landing spot for Pettersson to bounce back and reach his full potential again.
Next: 2 Surprising Teams Linked as Landing Spots for Elias Pettersson
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