While the Vancouver Canucks’ 2024-25 season might be over, that doesn’t mean the conversation about one of their best players is dying down.
During the team’s media availability on Monday, general manager Patrik Allvin confirmed the Canucks are willing to keep trade conversations open about forward Elias Pettersson.
“I will keep all my options open,” Allvin said.
Pettersson had a significantly down year. While he had battled injuries, limiting him to just 64 games, the 26-year-old scored 15 goals and 30 assists for 45 points, his lowest total since the COVID-shortened 2021 season. However, Allvin admitted that he isn’t concerned about Pettersson’s auspicious point production from this season.
“I do believe that the last three years, Elias had one down year – which was this year. It’s not about the individual points, it’s about playing the right way in order to win.”
Pettersson’s name arose in trade rumours once word got out about the off-ice drama between he and now-former Canuck J.T. Miller. President of hockey operations, Jim Rutherford, said back in January that there was “no good solution” in fixing the locker-room soap opera. Even when Miller was dealt to the New York Rangers, some believed there was still an avenue for Pettersson to be traded as well.
Pettersson was scrutinized for his play following the Miller deal, given that he was in the first season of his eight-year contract extension that he signed in March of last year. The deal carries a cap hit of $11.6 million through the 2031-32 campaign, with a full no-move clause starting next season.
Rutherford said, before he suffered an oblique injury that prematurely ended his season, Pettersson was going in the right direction. However, the veteran executive says that Pettersson needs to work on being a more well-rounded asset to the team.
“He’s going to have to buy into being a complete player,” Rutherford said. “He’s going to have to buy into working hard – we know that he’s working hard, but he’s going to have to do that all summer. He’s going to have to buy into what the coach wants him to do, and part of buying in is being a complete player if you want to have a contending team. He’s got the ability to do it. Just got to buy into it and prepare properly in the off season.”
With Pettersson’s lack of production, among other factors on and off the ice, the Canucks finished fifth in the Pacifc Division, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons.
While Allvin stated that the team is open to hearing offers for the Swedish star, he admitted that he has faith in Pettersson and that he can be a difference-maker in Vancouver.
“We still believe Elias is more than capable of coming back, as he has shown in the past year in Vancouver. I think this is about to taking his game to the next level. It’s encouraging to see his determination and work ethic.”
