Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
An NHL insider believes that it'll be difficult for Patrik Allvin to trade Elias Pettersson, if they want to go that route, because of his on-ice struggles over the last 12 months.
NHL insider says it'll be difficult for Vancouver Canucks to trade Elias Pettersson
Vancouver Canucks fans were hoping that Elias Pettersson would have some success at the 4 Nations Face-Off with Sweden and that it would help boost his confidence when he return to the club, however, the 26-year-old didn't play well at all and his struggles on the ice continued.
In three games with Sweden, Pettersson failed to record any points and in their final game of the round robin against the United States on Monday, had less than 10 minutes of ice time, which was the lowest among Swedish forwards.
While Elias Pettersson may be off the trade block after the J.T. Miller trade, it doesn't look like there would be much of an appetite for any team wanting to acquire him before the deadline on Friday, March 7th.
Frank Servalli was a guest on Halford & Brough on Sportsnet 650 radio on Wednesday morning where he mentioned that it would be very difficult for Patrik Allvin and the Vancouver Canucks to trade Elias Pettersson right now because of his struggles.
"I think that's becoming harder and harder. Because, think about what I just said in the risk of taking on that deal with that term and dollar amount remaining. The other part of this, and this came directly from a rival GM, it would be hard for anyone trading and giving up significant value for Pettersson to feel good about the deal. Everyone can see his play. They understand whatever they've internalized, whatever issues have gone on with this team internally. I think there's significant trepidation, I really do." Seravalli said.
Since February 1st, 2024, Elias Pettersson has recorded just 19 goals in 97 games, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which simply isn't good enough for someone making $11.6 million per season - which is the fifth-highest cap hit in the entire National Hockey League.
With the Vancouver Canucks in the thick of the wild card race in the Western Conference, the team needs Elias Pettersson to step his up his game and start contributing to the team if they're going to have any success here down the stretch.
