Canucks Notes: Pettersson, Draft, Pearson

During a press availability earlier today, the general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, Patrik Allvin, spoke with the media about a wide range of topics, including injury reports, extensions, the draft, etc. Although the Canucks have plenty of roster reconstruction to take care of this offseason, keeping their most important player is another vital issue at hand.

Elias Pettersson, who just finished the best season of his young career with 39 goals and 63 assists, will be eligible for a contract extension in a few short days. At his age and the talent he brings to the Canucks organization, it is reasonable to assume that Pettersson’s next contract may be $80MM over eight years if not more.

Surprisingly, during the media availability, Allvin appeared very calm about a possible extension for Petterson, saying, “We’re going to sit down when the time is right. There is no rush” (Tweet Link). With plenty of roster turnover expected this summer, the extension for Petterson should be top of mind for the Canucks. Along with Quinn Hughes, Pettersson is a main building block that Vancouver is expected to build around. Without a long-term extension in place with him, it will be difficult for Vancouver to cultivate a long-term plan around him this offseason, if they do acquire outside talent.

Other notes:

• Already sitting with the 11th pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, it does not sound like Allvin is satisfied with their current positioning. In the same meeting with the press, Allvin said, “I’m looking at options to trade up, if that’s an option” (Tweet Link). Unfortunately, it is unlikely that any teams in the top seven of this year’s draft would be willing to trade down. With reasonable expectations, the Washington Capitals (eighth), Detroit Red Wings (ninth), and St.Louis Blues (10th) seem the most likely group above Vancouver to make a trade, but even that should be considered a low probability.
• Lastly, on the injury front, Allvin did say that forward Tanner Pearson should be fully healed from wrist surgery by the end of summer, and be fully expected to join the team for training camp (Tweet Link). On long-term injured reserve for much of last season, his activation would mean his $3.25MM would go back on the books, tightening the Canucks’ cap space even further.