THN.com/podcast. From THN On The 'E': The Ultimate ECHL Team Nickname Rankings Elias Pettersson [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwMzI5ODU0OTEzMDk1MDMy/usatsi_20122627.jpg] Elias Pettersson Vancouver Canucks fans can be forgiven for feeling a little nervous over Elias Pettersson's future after he put contract extension talks on hold [https://www.nhl.com/news/elias-pettersson-vancouver-canucks-contract-status/c-345648180] 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 [https://puckpedia.com/player/elias-pettersson] 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 [https://bostonhockeynow.com/2023/08/24/nhl-trade-murphy-should-the-bruins-try-to-acquire-elias-pettersson/] 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 [https://thehockeynews.com/news/could-the-boston-bruins-target-elias-lindholm-or-mark-scheifele] 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 [https://thehockeynews.com/news/maple-leafs-sign-auston-matthews-to-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.
