TSN‘s Pierre LeBrun reports that the Columbus Blue Jackets are among the teams exploring a potential trade for Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson. However, like other interested clubs—including the Buffalo Sabres—there are growing concerns about whether Pettersson is still worth his massive contract. Is he broken? Or, is the latest drop in Pettersson’s production just a temporary dip?
The key question teams are asking: Who is Elias Pettersson right now? Is he the elite, 102-point center from two seasons ago, or the player struggling to justify his $11.6 million cap hit in Year 1 of his new deal? He’s been so up and down and the drama between himself and J.T. Miller so public, a seemingly sensitive player like Pettersson could be permanently scarred.
Pettersson is a Sensitive Player Who is Easily Distracted
Canucks Star Has a History of Being Knocked Off His Game
The fact Pettersson is affected by negative feedback is not new information. To some degree, most players would be. His history with how it impacts his game is well documented. This season, the attention drawn to his issues might explain what is being seen as a big lack in production.
Pettersson has managed just 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 44 games this season, a significant dip that has raised red flags. If he was still the player who got a huge deal with the Canucks, teams would be lining up trade for him. There’s real concern that the player is gone, and with a full no-movement clause kicking in on July 1, teams are hesitant.
News of a massive salary cap jump might relieve some of that pressure, but no one wants to willingly take on such a hefty contract without certainty that he can return to form. What if a team gives up significant assets and Pettersson never fully rebounds?
Teams Waiting for Canucks to Lower Their Price on Pettersson
Trade Price Too Steep Right Now
How the new cap numbers affect trades will be an interesting storyline to watch. Some teams might jump all over players who have reasonable deals that look even better with a growing cap ceiling. Clubs that have to hit the cap floor and aren’t traditionally in vastly profitable markets might see Pettersson as a good bet. Then again, other teams might just use free agency as a way to acquire players, knowing all they have to do is spend money. Every team, theoretically, has a lot more of it available now.
Pettersson is still a bit of a risk. He’s got a big contract and a long-term deal. Teams either want a better deal in a trade or they need to know he’s back. LeBrun believes teams are waiting for Vancouver to lower their asking price before the real trade talks begin. At this point, it’s preliminary tire-kicking.
The Canucks have reportedly been open to moving both Pettersson and J.T. Miller, but aren’t looking to take huge losses or get fleeced in a trade to make the moves work. Miller’s deal might be held off until the summer, but Pettersson’s — if the Canucks are determined to move on — might be more pressing.
The Canucks first need Pettersson to get hot. If even one team believes he’s got his game back, it will be easier for Vancouver to get this deal done. If Pettersson continues to struggle, the concern that he might be broken gets all the more real. He’s got four points in the month of January. No team is paying full price for him when he’s playing like that.
Next: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Canadiens, Flames, Senators
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