NHL trade rumors: Insider claims Canucks "will continue to entertain trade calls" on $92,800,000 star forward

NHL insider David Pagnotta reported that the Vancouver Canucks will continue to entertain trade calls for center Elias Pettersson.

Following a disappointing season, the Canucks are heading to a busy offseason due to salary cap constraints, coaching changes, and other factors, suggesting the team's roster may look significantly different next season.

With only $14 million in cap space and several free agents to address, the Canucks will likely need to make tough calls. Elias Pettersson's no-movement clause takes effect on July 1.

Pagnotta noted that Pettersson remains a trade target, with the Canucks open to discussions. The insider explained that the asking price for the 26-year-old has not changed significantly, meaning any team interested will need to offer a substantial package to acquire him from Vancouver.

"The 26-year-old center will see his no-movement clause kick-in July 1 and the belief across the NHL is the Canucks will continue to entertain trade calls. It does not sound like the price tag has changed much, if at all, so a team will have to pay up to pry him out of B.C," Pagnotta wrote via The Fourth Period.

Pagnotta added that the Buffalo Sabres may consider pursuing him again, but they will not be the only team in the race.

"Do the Sabres take another swing? They surely won’t be the lone team to try."

Pettersson experienced a decline in his performance this season, particularly after signing an eight-year, $92.8 million contract extension. He notched 45 points through 15 goals and 30 assists in 64 games.

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks missed the postseason after finishing fourth in the West's wild-card standings with a 38-30-14 record.

Vancouver Canucks appoint Adam Foote as their new HC

Earlier this month, the Vancouver Canucks named Adam Foote as their new head coach for the upcoming season.

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Foote, who has been an assistant coach for the team since 2023, replaced Rick Tocchet, who took the head coaching position with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Tocchet led the Canucks for two and a half seasons, achieving a record of 108-65-27 and securing one Pacific Division title.

Also Read: Insider claims Canucks' Brock Boeser is a "longshot to re-sign" in Vancouver with free agency looming

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta