The Vancouver Canucks reportedly offered Elias Pettersson a monster contract

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Cooper Godin
February 23, 2024 (8:12 PM)

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Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson is set to become a restricted free agent following the completion of the 2023-24 campaign.

Pettersson's play over the last couple of seasons has cemented himself as one of the best forwards currently in the National Hockey League and he's set himself up for a big payday.

The pending restricted free agent decided before the season began that he wanted to put contract talks on the back burner in order to focus on his play on the ice and it's certainly worked out in his favour.

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Vancouver Canucks have offered Elias Pettersson an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $12 million.

Pagnotta mentioned that Pettersson has no rejected the contract, but wants to wait until after the season and still remains focused on his on-ice performance and helping the Canucks reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"According to a well-placed source tied to the club, the Canucks tabled Pettersson a long-term deal, believed to be eight years, worth $12 million per season at the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign. That offer has not been rejected; it's there for the taking. Pettersson simply wants to take his time, see how the season plays out and revisit his future in the summer." Pagnotta said.

Pettersson, 25, is on his way towards a second consecutive season with 100 or more points. In 59 games this season, the Sundsvall, Sweden native has put up 73 points (29 goals, 44 assists), six penalty minutes and is a plus-13.

Given that Pettersson is very important to the Canucks' present and future, there's no question that they'll want to lock him up long term, but the waiting game continues. It'll be interesting to see if Pettersson does sign long-term or if it will be a four or five-year deal.

Source: David Pagnotta - The Fourth Period