Here's Why Canucks' Elias Pettersson Says He Put A Stop To Extension Talks

Vancouver Canucks fans might be a little on edge this summer as their franchise player Elias Pettersson is entering the final year of his contract this coming season, and the star forward says he has put extension talks "on hold on for now.”

The key thing to consider, however, is that he'll still be a restricted free agent and under Canucks control next summer. So between the team and Pettersson's camp, there is no rush at this point to have to get an extension done right now. The 100-point man says he wants to "just focus on the season and focus on this summer, to have a good summer of training."

And according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, that's exactly what he's doing. The Friedge actually had a chance to sit down with Pettersson in Sweden last week, and he reveals exactly where the player's head is at, saying that the star forward is "absolutely dialled in for this season". But here comes the "but":

But he made it very clear that (signing an extension) is not his priority right now. He wants to wait and focus on the (upcoming) year. What that says to me is, he wants to make sure that he can win in Vancouver. He knows that next deal is going to be a big one,  and wherever he is he's going to get a big deal.

That "wherever he is" part might sound scary for people in Vancouver, but Friedman says not to read too much into that. 

The one thing I would say to Canucks fans is: Don't take it as he's not staying. I don't believe that's the case. Nothing in my conversation with him said to me that he's not gonna stay there. But he wants to make sure that he can win there before he commits to a long-term deal.

The 24-year-old broke through big-time last season, with 39 goals and 63 assists for 102 points in his 5th year in Vancouver.

For now, Pettersson is letting his agent do all the worrying about contract stuff. 

“We’ll keep talking but Pat (Brisson) is doing that talking,” Pettersson said. “He knows my situation and obviously it’s a big topic, but he just wants me to focus on — and I just want to focus on — the hockey part.”

The Canucks can only hope that "the hockey part" goes well this season. 

Photo: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports