Conflicting Reports Suggest Elias Pettersson Wants Out Of Vancouver
The Vancouver Canucks are having a stellar season, led by their core players Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, JT Miller, and Thatcher Demko. While Miller is signed long-term, the future of the other key players remains uncertain.
Mixed Reports Suggest Elias Pettersson's Days In Vancouver Are Numbered
Of particular concern is Elias Pettersson, whose contract is up after this season. While the Canucks are eager to sign him long-term, negotiations have stalled. Reports suggest that Pettersson is focused on the season and not interested in in-season contract talks.
NHL insider David Pagnotta revealed that the Canucks have offered Pettersson an eight-year, $96 million deal, but he's taking his time to assess his future. Pettersson is prioritizing winning, and the Canucks are respecting his timeline.
The Vancouver Canucks and centre Elias Pettersson are comfortable waiting for the end of the season to address the superstar's contractual status.
The 25-year-old is on pace for a second-consecutive 100+ point season and is due for a nice raise. In fact, if he wants to commit to an eight-year extension tomorrow, he can.
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.
This isn't about money; Pettersson is focused on winning. That's why he shut down talks last off-season � he wanted to fully prepare for this year and help the Canucks bring a championship to Vancouver. His patience, so far, is paying off.
The Canucks aren't feeling any heat, either. They control his rights, as Pettersson can become a restricted free agent July 1 (with arbitration rights), but they aren't applying any significant pressure. The deal is there for him when he's ready for it. Right now, his priorities are elsewhere and that's winning.
- David Pagnotta
However, recent reports by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman indicate that teams are inquiring about Pettersson's availability, leading to frustration within the Canucks organization.
Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal suggests that if a deal isn't reached, the team may consider trading Pettersson.
"Canucks aren't getting any indication from Pettersson that he wants to be here long-term. There's frustration there. I still have no intel he wants out. Up until now I always thought Pettersson would re-sign but I'm not so sure now. Vancouver's gotta do their homework... when it comes to a trade."
- Rick Dhaliwal
While it was previously assumed that Pettersson would re-sign with the Canucks, the current situation suggests otherwise. The developments hint at underlying issues, and fans are eagerly awaiting further updates.
Do you think Pettersson signs an extension with the Canucks?
| POLL | ||
27 FEVRIER | 240 ANSWERS Conflicting Reports Suggest Elias Pettersson Wants Out Of Vancouver Do you think Pettersson signs an extension with the Canucks? | ||
| Yes | 150 | 62.5 % |
| No | 90 | 37.5 % |
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