The Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals will do battle Saturday night at Rogers Arena, with Swedish forward Elias Pettersson being handed a major demotion.
It's been a tough season for Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson, and in recent weeks he's found his name in trade talks after the team reportedly began testing the market for him.
So far, at least two teams have shown interest in Elias Pettersson — the Carolina Hurricanes, prior to their Mikko Rantanen trade, and some reports suggesting that the Utah Hockey Club have been in talks regarding the Swede.
Pettersson is in the first year of an eight-year contract that sees him earn $11.6 million annually. So far, he hasn't lived up to that deal, registering just 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in 41 games, and it appears that he's set for a major demotion against the Washington Capitals.
Elias Pettersson moved out of the top-six for game
After spending all season in Vancouver's top-six, including Thursday's loss to Edmonton in his usual 1C spot, Elias Pettersson has been handed a pretty big demotion.
During the morning skate at Rogers Arena, the Vancouver Canucks went through line rushes and Elias Pettersson was skating on the third line with fellow Swedes Nils Hoglander and Linus Karlsson as his wingers.
Saturday morning skate #Canucks linesDeBrusk. Suter. Garland.
Heinen. Miller. Boeser.
Hoglander. Pettersson. Karlsson.
Sasson. Blueger. PDG.
Joshua.Hughes. Hronek.
Pettersson. Soucy.
Forbort. Desharnais.
Juulsen. Myers.
Friedman.
We'll have to wait and see what Elias Pettersson's ice time looks like once the game is finished, but despite still being on still being on the first power-play unit, it wouldn't be a shock to see his final totals in around 14-15 minutes.
As the Vancouver Canucks continue talking trade with teams regarding Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, they'll be hoping that those two start picking up their game to a point where they can maximize the return they get in any deal prior to the deadline on Friday, March 7.
Puck drop for Saturday night's game against the Washington Capitals on "Hockey Night in Canada" is set for 7 p.m. PT and can be viewed on Sportsnet and CBC.
