The Vancouver Canucks have been actively looking for trade options for the team’s star center Elias Pettersson as the team rebuilds its roster. Elias Pettersson’s performance has also dropped in the last few years which has sparked some concern. Amid all the mess, it seems the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers have emerged as potential landing spots for him.
Which teams are interested in Elias Pettersson?
Ever since the Vancouver Canucks have started looking for trade options, a number of rival teams have been linked to Elias Pettersson.As per NHL insiders, it seems the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers could be eyeing him ahead of the new season.
What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?
A few hours ago, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman made an appearance on Monday’s 32 Thoughts podcast, where he said, “The ground has shifted here in a huge way,…I’ve sat there and I’ve said, where could he go that could be good for him? I don’t know. I wonder if the Penguins, with Crosby and Malkin, might be good for him.”A couple of days ago, NHL insider David Pagnotta added, “His name has come up a lot more. And there is a belief now with a new GM in place in Vancouver that there’s a little bit of an appetite to retain on that deal…Prior to that nothing, they weren’t budging and weren’t gonna eat any of that money.”David Pagnotta added, “It sounds like maybe a couple mil, something in that range, two to three million if the deal works…And I think that’s engaged a few teams including the Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Philadelphia Flyers…”
Contract details and salary cap implications
The Vancouver Canucks’ star player Elias Pettersson has six years left on his $92 million deal with the team.For the team, trading Elias Pettersson save up to $11.6 million in yearly cap space by removing his full contract.The team can also wipe $69.6 million in total cash value off their remaining six year payroll books.
How will the trade affect the teams?
For the Pittsburgh Penguins, trading for Elias Pettersson remains pretty affordable with the team’s $16 million in cap space. The star centre could be Sidney Crosby’s successor in the team.’For the Philadelphia Flyers, trading for Elias Pettersson remains expensive even though he could be the elite top line center star power they desperately need.