Elias Pettersson trade rumors get a revealing update from Rick Dhaliwal
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Rick Dhaliwal says a Pettersson trade never got close in Vancouver despite months of chatter around the Canucks star.
Elias Pettersson trade rumors have followed the Canucks star for most of the offseason, but the latest word from the inside suggests fans should pump the brakes.
Rick Dhaliwal checked in on the situation and came away with a clear message.
As far as he can tell, a deal involving Pettersson never got close over the last few months.
There was no moment where Vancouver actually picked up the phone to his agent and asked whether he'd be willing to waive to make something happen.
Re Canucks: "As far as I know, when I checked in...an Elias Pettersson trade never got close in the last few months; the Canucks never went to his agent and said hey, we got a team, will you waive."
- Rick Dhaliwal
- Rick Dhaliwal
Why the Canucks never pulled the trigger
That detail matters more than it might seem at first glance.
Getting an agent involved usually signals a team is serious, not just fielding calls out of due diligence.
Without that step ever happening, it's hard to argue Vancouver was truly close to moving on from its 27 year old center, no matter how loud the speculation got on social media this summer.
Adding another layer to the story, there's also been reporting suggesting Pettersson himself isn't exactly rushing for the exit.
He carries a no movement clause, which means he holds the final say on where he ends up, and right now there's no indication he's pushing to leave British Columbia.
What this means for training camp
Barring a sudden shift, Pettersson looks headed toward training camp still wearing a Canucks sweater.
The contract remains the sticking point for outside teams.
Until that changes or Pettersson's tune shifts, this saga may just carry into the regular season.
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