Elias Pettersson trade talks hit a snag as NHL team makes their demands clear
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Vancouver Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal delivered a blunt update on Elias Pettersson trade chatter this week, revealing that at least one interested team will not even engage in talks unless the Canucks agree to retain a significant chunk of his salary.
Speaking on Canucks Conversation, Dhaliwal did not hold back on what rival clubs are demanding.
I know for a fact, one team told me...to get in the Elias Pettersson trade talks, they need retention, 2, 2.5, close to 3 [million] per year to make it work
The Cap Hit Problem
Pettersson carries an $11.6 million average annual value on the eight year, $92.8 million extension he signed in 2023, with six seasons still remaining.
That number was justified when he was producing at a point per game pace, but it now looms as one of the tougher contracts to move in the league.
Retention in the $3 million range would still leave an acquiring team paying close to $8.6 million annually for a player whose role has changed dramatically.
Production No Longer Matches the Price Tag
The retention ask reflects a broader concern around the league that Pettersson's production has fallen off since he signed his extension.
He put up 73 goals and 191 points across 162 games between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
Since then, he has just 30 goals and 96 points in 138 games, along with a minus-40 rating.
Dhaliwal also confirmed that no trade has come close to happening, and Vancouver has not asked Pettersson or his agent about waiving his no-movement clause.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
New Sidney Crosby contract details emerge regarding term and salary
New Sidney Crosby contract details emerge regarding term and salary