NHL Trade Rumors: Flyers & Canucks Becoming Trade Partners?

Thursday, February 20, 2025 ,

The Philadelphia Flyers have been linked to trade discussions surrounding Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson, with reports suggesting they have explored what it would take to acquire the 26-year-old star. 

Despite signing an eight-year, $92.8 million extension last March, Pettersson remains the subject of speculation, especially after Canucks GM Patrik Allvin recently stated, “anything is possible” when asked about a potential trade. 

With the Flyers still searching for a true No. 1 center, adding Pettersson would be a major move, but the cost to acquire him would be steep.

Pettersson is coming off a disappointing performance with Team Sweden at the 4 Nations Faceoff, where he recorded 0 points and two shots on goal in three games.

Some rumors have suggested that Flyers prospects Oliver Bonk and Jett Luchanko could be part of a package for Pettersson, though nothing concrete has emerged. 

Luchanko, a 2024 first-round pick, has been excelling in the OHL as the captain of the Guelph Storm (15 goals & 42 points in 30 games) and is seen as a potential long-term solution at center for Philadelphia. He played for Team Canada at the World Juniors this year, recording one goal in five games.

Bonk, meanwhile, has made significant strides with the London Knights and earned a spot on Canada’s World Junior roster in back-to-back years. 

If the Canucks insist on getting a young center in return, the Flyers would need to decide whether including Luchanko is worth the price of landing an elite playmaker.

For now, any deal remains hypothetical, but the Flyers have the assets to make a strong offer. Vancouver would likely demand a package built around an NHL-ready player, top draft picks, and at least one high-end prospect. 

Flyers GM Daniel Brière recently acknowledged how difficult it is to acquire a true No. 1 center, stating, “The reality is, there’s not a lot of high-end centermen in this league.” 

Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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