As the Vancouver Canucks look to retool their roster, speculation has begun to grow surrounding the availability of forward Elias Pettersson. Speaking on Sportsnet’s Canucks Central last week, Frank Seravalli reported that the Detroit Red Wings are one of the interested teams if Vancouver becomes serious about moving Pettersson.
The news follows a report from last week indicating that the Canucks are willing to consider offers for Pettersson, although they are not yet actively committed to trading him. Regardless, given the multiple hurdles present in his contract, trading Pettersson would be one of the most complicated in-season trades to manufacture, and is likely better suited for an offseason move.
In our write-up, PHR’s Ethan Hetu clearly articulated these hurdles, saying, “Pettersson’s situation is quite a bit more complicated. First and foremost, the full no-move clause on his $11.6MM AAV deal gives the player and his representatives (led by CAA’s Pat Brisson) full control over where he is dealt to. Pettersson needs to sign off on any trade before it can be completed.”
Still, of all the competitive teams this season, the Red Wings are one of the few that could add Pettersson’s large cap hit outright. Additionally, given their success with Swedish players for the last three decades, Pettersson may be more apt to sign off on a trade to HockeyTown.
Pettersson’s fit in Detroit’s lineup is less obvious. Even with a return to his 2022-23 form, there’s no chance he’d usurp Dylan Larkin as the Red Wings’ top center, meaning he would become one of, if not the highest-paid, second-line center in the league. Throughout the past two years with Vancouver, Pettersson has scored 28 goals and 74 points in 104 games played, whereas Larkin has registered 54 goals and 114 points in 132 contests.
This season, the team has been utilizing Andrew Copp to center their second forward unit. Although he’s been best used as a third-line center for most of his career, he’s been one of the league’s top scorers for over a month. Since the calendar turned to December, Copp has scored seven goals and 21 points in 24 games with a 51.2% faceoff percentage, giving Detroit a formidable duo in their top six.
Furthermore, and what is the most important point for Detroit specifically, is that General Manager Steve Yzerman has historically held his cards very close to the vest. Given that there have been very few leaks coming from the Red Wings organization since Yzerman took over, a larger grain of salt must be consumed when Detroit is tied to a particular player. Still, given their lack of moves at recent trade deadlines and current spot in the standings, it would make a ton of sense for the Red Wings to take a shot or two leading up to this year’s deadline.
Please no
The Red Wings have the draft capital and young players that the Canucks covet to get him. The only thing is the Canucks are going have to take on at least half of that exorbitant salary.
Canucks are not keeping half like if Pete is maybe 8 or 7 mill fine but not half cause then you have to give up your best young player
Risky player to acquire.
He will be a St. Louis Blue in 6 months. Whatever top pick they end up with, they will trade it to VAN for Petterson
If Petersson returns to form, he is 100% better than Larkin. Not sure why the author is so high on Larkin here. Larkin is like Logan Couture was – an outstanding 2C who has to play 1C because a true 1C isn’t available.
Larkin as a forced 1C made me spit out a little coffee laughing. look how each went in the 4NFO. Larkin on a star studded deep USA team ends up on the first line being compared to Matthew’s while EP40 has what, 0 points on SWE? Larkin as the immensely better two-way player, not surprised “devil” guy only looks at points. Only two metrics EP40 takes are wasted points per game and somuchdramabetweenyouandtheotherstaryourwholeorganizationimplodes%
And that’s all without even starting to compare contracts lmao oh brother
He’s -100 on his career dude, calm down.
If you could do a comparison for me – compare the career of Dylan Larkin to Nazem Kadri. I’m intrigued to hear how they stack up against each other in your mind. Try to stick to the point and not get your feelings hurt in the process.
I would imagine you have Patrik Laine being a super star too based on what he did 3- 5 years ago. Petey is 3 yrs removed from a 100pt season and has been no way near that mark since. He is projected for about 60 pts this year. He isn’t even worth Larkin’s cap hit, let alone his current play.
Come on dude, read the comment. It clearly says “if [he] returns to form”. The main article said even if he returns to his 100 point form he wouldn’t unseat Larkin as 1C which is the line I think is comical.
This would officially give them the status of the Stockholm Red Wings.
Why not? Canucks store is open & they apparently have no idea how to negotiate- to the point where Conroy in Calgary make Rutherford look foolish – so get in while the goings good…