Elias Pettersson & Canucks Engaging in Extension Talks

Elias Pettersson came into this season wanting to take a 'wait and see' approach on a possible contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks. Would the team be a true contender, and how would he fit in?

So far, so good, it's safe to say, as Pettersson leads the NHL in scoring with 25 points, and is tied for the league lead in assists, with 18. And the Canucks? They're off to a blistering start, at 11-3-1, with the most goals scored (66) and the greatest GF-GA differential (+33) through 15 games. 

Given all of that, it's no surprise to hear that extension talks are back on. 

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin told Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli that they're "chipping away" at an extension with Pettersson's rep. 

I’ve had conversations. [Pettersson’s agent] Pat Brisson and I met with his Swedish agent a couple weeks ago when he was in town. We’re continuing to talk there and see where things go. Hopefully we’ll get it done sooner rather than later.

Pettersson broke through big-time in 2022-23 with 102 points (34 points better than his previous career high). Now the 25-year-old is on an even more blistering 137-point pace. His 3-year, $22M deal comes to an end after the season, and if an extension can't be reached, he'll enter unrestricted free agency.

Needless to say, the Canucks are anxious to get something done, and now at least, compared to before the season, the Pettersson camp sounds like they've opened the discussions. 

Allvin also admitted that Vancouver is scouring the league looking for a defenseman (Nikita Zadorov, anyone?). If they were to add something like that to their current squad, getting Pettersson to sign on the dotted line becomes that much easier. 

Photo: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports