There has been a ton of rumours this season about Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson and whether or not he’ll be traded. After the deadline passed and they moved on from J.T. Miller, it felt like Pettersson was going to stick around. But over the last few days, reports have come up that the Canucks could look to move him before his full no-movement clause kicks in on July 1.
Which brings up the question — should the San Jose Sharks stay away?
As much as he would help in terms of being a top-line scorer, it just doesn’t make a ton of sense for the Sharks to go down that road. Pettersson has shown he can bring drama into the room and at times doesn’t have the best attitude. That’s not what this team needs right now. They need someone more like Tyler Toffoli — a veteran who can lead and help produce next to Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
If San Jose went out and got Pettersson, they’d be locking themselves into seven years at $11.6 million with a full no-move clause. That’s not the kind of deal that fits with where the Sharks are in their rebuild. GM Mike Grier has said the plan isn’t to speed it up unless the perfect opportunity comes along — and this doesn’t feel like it.
It’s worth noting that I believe Mitch Marner would be a better fit in San Jose. Sure, he’s also taken heat for his attitude at times, but in terms of playing style and overall fit with the group, he makes a lot more sense than Pettersson.
So while it’s possible Pettersson gets moved before July 1, the Sharks shouldn’t be in on him. It’s just not the right time or the right player.
