Canucks Remain Open to Trading Elias Pettersson

Vancouver not desperate to move star center ahead of NHL trade deadline

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Vancouver Canucks have indicated they are open to trading star center Elias Pettersson, but are not desperate to move him before the upcoming NHL trade deadline. Pettersson, who is signed for six more years at an $11.6 million average annual value, has not shown significant improvement since signing his current contract, making a trade complicated for potential suitors.

Why it matters

Pettersson is one of the Canucks' most valuable assets, so his potential departure would have major implications for the team's future. However, the Canucks appear willing to keep him if they don't receive an offer that meets their demands, suggesting they believe he can still be a key part of the team's long-term plans.

The details

According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the Canucks have told teams they are open to trading Pettersson, but he is not a "must-trade" from their perspective. LeBrun notes that Pettersson's hefty contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season, makes a trade difficult, as any team acquiring him would be making a significant long-term commitment to the 24-year-old center.

  • The NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Elias Pettersson

A 24-year-old center for the Vancouver Canucks who has been the subject of trade rumors in recent months.

Pierre LeBrun

A hockey journalist for The Athletic who reported on the Canucks' stance regarding a potential Pettersson trade.

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What they’re saying

“Teams continue to check in with the Vancouver Canucks on Elias Pettersson, and the Canucks have told teams that they're open to moving him — but he isn't a must-trade from their perspective. Vancouver is more than fine if he stays put through this deadline.”

— Pierre LeBrun, Hockey Journalist (The Athletic)

“Pettersson has six more years on his deal at an $11.6 million average annual value, so a team would really have to be sure a better version of EP40 is going to show up more often than not with a change of scenery to deal for him.”

— Pierre LeBrun, Hockey Journalist (The Athletic)

What’s next

The NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 6, 2026, so the Canucks will have to decide whether to trade Pettersson or keep him on the roster for the remainder of the season.

The takeaway

The Canucks' willingness to trade Pettersson, but not desperation to do so, highlights the complexity of his situation. While he is a valuable asset, his hefty contract makes a trade difficult, and the Canucks appear content to keep him if the right offer doesn't materialize before the deadline.