The bomb dropped by Elliotte Friedman shook the hockey world: Elias Pettersson, considered until recently as the rising star of the Canucks, is no longer untouchable.
In Vancouver, the organization would be open to trading its center player, unable to justify his incredible contract of $92.8 million over eight years.
This news immediately ignited discussions among fans, including those of the Montreal Canadiens.
Many of them already dream of seeing Pettersson put on the tricolor uniform, but Kent Hughes was clear: Nick Suzuki is untouchable.
After a 2023-2024 season marked by a decline in the playoffs, Pettersson is currently experiencing a real descent into hell.
With eight meager goals and 26 points in 29 games, he disappoints on all fronts. What is most shocking in Vancouver is not only its poor offensive production, but also its attitude considered nonchalant.
Without forgetting that he and JT Miller are in open conflict which seems to dampen the atmosphere in the locker room.
The stats back up his decline: the Canucks’ shooting rate when he’s on the ice is down 20% from the previous season.
His passes, once so precise and unpredictable, have become turnover machines.
Fans and analysts alike struggle to recognize the player who was once considered a master of vision and offensive creativity.
Rick Tocchet, the Canucks coach, was merciless. In the last game, he left Pettersson benched for the entire third period, a clear message that confidence in his star player is quickly crumbling.
At an annual salary of $11.6 million, the expectations for Pettersson were immense. But, at this stage, his performance is well below what one could expect from a player of this stature.
Even his skating – once one of his major strengths – seems to have lost speed, and rumors of physical problems are no longer enough to excuse his poor performances.
In Montreal, Nick Suzuki surely observes this situation with relief. Criticized for his apparent nonchalance or his inability to express himself in French, Suzuki, who earns less than 8 million per year, faces much less pressure.
And above all, it performs.
In Vancouver, Pettersson is in the spotlight, and his inability to live up to expectations turns the slightest mistake into real drama.
According to Friedman, the Buffalo Sabers have started negotiations with the Canucks, proposing a trade including Dylan Cozens and other elements for the Swede.
However, Pettersson’s full no-trade clause could be a major drag. Buffalo is not a destination of choice for a player who has shown his displeasure playing with partners like Jake DeBrusk and Max Sassons.
For the Canadian, acquiring Pettersson would be a major challenge. If Suzuki is out of the question, Kent Hughes would have to sacrifice players like Michael Hage, Kirby Dach, and many others to convince Vancouver.
But Hughes was clear: he doesn’t want to gut his team for a player in crisis, no matter how talented he is.
Canucks fans are starting to lose patience. On social media, some are already calling to get rid of Pettersson, calling him a financial burden.
Others, more optimistic, hope that he will be able to bounce back. But each match without response from him further widens the gap between him and his supporters.
If Pettersson does not quickly turn things around, this already weakened relationship with the organization could reach a point of no return.
The prospect of seeing Pettersson arrive in Montreal seems distant, even utopian. With Kent Hughes adamant about Suzuki’s value and fans also divided over the idea of sacrificing young players for fading talent, this deal is more dream than reality.
For Pettersson, the priority is clear: regain confidence and intensity.
Otherwise, his adventure in Vancouver risks ending in bitterness and regret.
If Montreal wants it, it will be necessary to sacrifice Michael Hage, since the Canucks want a young center in the transaction.
Kent Hughes will never accept.
