Insider Reports Elias Pettersson Almost Joined Another Team Before Extension Talks Started

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TJ Tucker
February 29, 2024 (6:42 PM)

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It was revealed last night that the Vancouver Canucks had resumed contract talks with star player Elias Pettersson after rumblings all season that he would be moved before his current deal ended. Now, we have word from an insider that the latest extension talks actually nixed a trade to another team.

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Canucks GM Patrik Allvin had been deep in talks with the Carolina Hurricanes about potentially moving Pettersson.

"According to multiple sources, the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes had discussions about Elias Pettersson that advanced to a stage where both the Canucks and the player needed to make serious decisions about where their relationship was headed.

The Canucks ultimately decided in favour of another attempt at extending Pettersson, and he, facing the possibility Vancouver could move him, allowed agents Pat Brisson and JP Barry to resume negotiations. Previously, the talented forward indicated he preferred to wait until after the season."

Being an upcoming restricted free agent with arbitration rights means Pettersson has a lot of leverage when it comes to negotiations. He can wait until the end of the season, get issued an offer by the Flames, and choose to take it to an independent arbitrator. He could also simply choose to sit at home until he gets the offer he wants, or close to it from Vancouver, similar to what William Nylander did during negotiations with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

At one point, there were rumours Pettersson was tired of not winning in Vancouver, and that was a big factor in wanting a trade. Things seem to have changed somewhat with the Canucks sitting in first place in the Pacific Division.