Canucks Rumors: Elias Pettersson Talks Take Another Wild Turn

Just when the worry-o-meter was starting to ratchet up again in Vancouver over the ongoing Elias Pettersson contract situation, a sudden exciting turn of events for Canucks fans was revealed Wednesday night, and this morning we are looking at a potential massive extension being "a few days" away.

Sources say #Canucks have made significant progress with superstar Elias Pettersson working on what is believed to be an 8-year contract extension.

Not done, but big development, and a new deal could be finalized in the coming days.@DailyFaceoff

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 29, 2024

Hockey insider Frank Seravalli says "significant progress" has now been made on what's believed to be an eight-year extension, that is expected to top the $10 million AAV mark.

It was just earlier this week that rumors began circulating of rival teams making inquiry calls to the Canucks to see if Pettersson would be available for trade, and just yesterday, team insiders were questioning his desire to be in Vancouver for the long-term, but if this new report is true, it appears all of that talk will now be put to a stop.

Pettersson is on pace to top the 100-point mark for the second consecutive season, as the 25-year-old continues to establish himself as one of the top forwards in all of hockey. He's completing a 3-year, $7.35M AAV contract and would become a restricted free agent at the end of the season if a deal is not struck. 

Pettersson has 29 goals and 45 assists for 74 points and 61 games this season, with a plus-minus rating of +15, in about 19 1/2 minutes of ice time per night. He also leads the NHL in game-winning goals this season, with nine.

He was the fifth overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft by Vancouver, and in six seasons with the Canucks he has recorded 165 goals and 398 points in 386 games.

Photo: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports