The year 2025 is only a few days old and already, several rumors point to a big transaction involving the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers. But can the Islanders interfere in discussions for the services of Elias Pettersson?
In the recent transaction rumors mentioned by Elliotte Friedman, we wonder if the Rangers cannot get JT Miller for Mika Zibanejad. Miller has a no-movement clause, but a team would be identified to lift said clause: the Rangers. It would be a return to the organization for him as in 2018 the Rangers sent Miller to Tampa Bay with Ryan McDonagh for Namestnikov, Howden, Hajek and two draft picks. The Rangers also remain in the running for services.
That said, the Islanders could very well come and play spoilsport in these discussions. According to journalist Stefan Rosner who covers the Islanders, several sources in the industry indicate that the Islanders would be interested in the services of Elias Pettersson. On the other hand, this would not be to the detriment of Mathew Barzal, who remains untouchable in the lineup. On the Canucks side, the player targeted in return would potentially be Noah Dobson. The 24-year-old defenseman is coming off a 70-point season, but is currently heading toward 40-point production. The guard from the QMJHL nevertheless establishes himself as the team’s best defender, but also a very visible element on the exchange market.
Brock Nelson is also attracting interest on the market according to recent trade rumors. Considering that Bo Horvat cost Aatu Raty, the Islanders’ top prospect at the time, a first-round pick and Anthony Beauvillier, who was producing well at the time, one would think that Dobson and Nelson would be in demand by the Canucks as return for Elias Pettersson.
