3 Potential Trade Destinations for Canucks' Elias Pettersson

Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson may be on the Injured Reserve right now nursing an ailment, but that hasn't slowed down the trade chatter. It doesn't help with GM Patrik Allvin recently admitted they are listening to offers, as Pettersson's no-trade protection doesn't kick in until this upcoming offseason.

The 26-year-old Swede has recorded 10 goals and 28 points in 34 games this season, and he's been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons this season, as there's an apparent beef between him and Canucks' teammate J.T Miller.

Pettersson is signed through the 2031-32 season, making $11.6-million AAV, and despite his struggles during last season's Stanley Cup Playoffs, there's going to be a long list of suitors who are making pitches to the Canucks, if they are indeed open to moving their star forward. Here's three teams to keep an eye on as potential trade destinations:

Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres have been linked since the moment Pettersson's name was out there, because they are desperate for top-six forward help. While Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram's names are out there as potential trade chips, it could be a scenario where the Canucks want Owen Power instead. Keep an eye on these two teams, as they align perfectly for a blockbuster deal before March 7.

New York Rangers

The Rangers are open for business, they have Mika Zibanejad who is likely on the block, and there's also defenseman K'Andre Miller, who needs a new contract this summer, and may not be in GM Chris Drury's plans. The Rangers have a ton of cap space and could fit in Pettersson's salary without having to match it dollar for dollar, as they sit with over $8 million to work with. Vancouver has been a media circus, so it could be an easy transition for Pettersson under the bright lights of Broadway.

If Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks has really requested a trade, at least 20 teams should try to acquire him. Despite a down year, Pettersson is still a legit 1C in my eyes. Still only 26 years old. pic.twitter.com/O9bcfLPBCl
— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) January 4, 2025

Detroit Red Wings

GM Steve Yzerman is getting desperate, as the 'Yzerplan' has been getting ridiculed lately, and Yzerman's been quite defensive about his strategy. The Wings continue to be on the outside looking in at the playoff picture in the East, and while Yzerman's done business with the Canucks on several occasions, Pettersson would be a whole other level. Fit may be tough here, because the Red Wings don't have the depth on defense that the Canucks desire. Of the three teams listed, the Sabres are certainly the favorites, followed by the Rangers, and in a distant third would be Detroit. There's also the Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, and New York Islanders to consider as potential destinations.

If Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks has really requested a trade, at least 20 teams should try to acquire him. Despite a down year, Pettersson is still a legit 1C in my eyes. Still only 26 years old. pic.twitter.com/O9bcfLPBCl
— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) January 4, 2025