Soon after Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson said he's putting contract talks on hold, trade speculation surfaced about a potential fit with the Boston Bruins.
Vancouver Canucks fans can be forgiven for feeling a little nervous over Elias Pettersson's future after he put contract extension talks on hold to focus on the upcoming season. The 24-year-old Canucks center becomes an RFA next July with arbitration rights.
Pettersson said he's not sure if he wants a short or long-term contract with the Canucks. He's entering the final season of his three-year contract with an average annual value of $7.35 million, though in actual salary, he'll earn $10.25 million.
Those comments could spark speculation about Pettersson becoming a trade candidate if his contract talks stall with the Canucks.
Boston Hockey Now's Jimmy Murphy took notice of Pettersson's remarks. The Bruins are heading into this season with a big gap at center following the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.
The rumor mill has linked the Bruins to Calgary's Elias Lindholm and Winnipeg's Mark Scheifele. Murphy suggests Pettersson would be a better option if he becomes available in the trade market.
It's premature to suggest the Canucks could part ways with Pettersson. He's not a UFA next summer, so there's no reason to move him. He also hasn't indicated that he doesn't want to re-sign.
Pettersson could be taking his cue from Auston Matthews. Rather than pursue a long-term contract, the Toronto Maple Leafs superstar agreed to a four-year extension worth what will be a league-leading cap hit of $13.25 million starting in 2024-25.
This situation also puts pressure on Canucks management to make real progress in building a playoff contender. Pettersson could be reluctant to get tied in with the club for too long if he remains stuck in an ongoing rebuild.