With less than a week remaining before the Vancouver Canucks’ trade deadline on June 30, speculation around Elias Pettersson’s future continues to intensify. The star forward’s pending no-movement clause, which activates on July 1, adds urgency to the situation, fueling talk about a potential Elias Pettersson Canucks trade speculation.
Pettersson is locked into an eight-year, $92.8 million contract signed in March 2024, but his no-move clause only becomes effective after June 30. That timing creates a narrow window for trade discussions without his formal approval. NHL insider Chris Johnston told TSN’s OverDrive on Monday that while the Canucks appear committed to keeping Pettersson, there are whispers that teams are probing the market in these final days to see if a deal can be struck.
The Canucks certainly are giving off all indications that they are comfortable keeping him,
Johnston said.
That’s where they’re focused … but there are at least whispers that some teams are trying to get in and see in this last week whether they can use that window to perhaps get the player. This is really the last chance you have at a trade.
—Chris Johnston, NHL Insider
Once the no-movement clause activates, any trade involving Pettersson would require his consent, making this week a critical period for the Canucks and interested teams. Pettersson remains one of the NHL’s most talented centers, but his production slipped last season to 45 points in 64 games, a significant drop from his 102-point 2022-23 season.
Financially, Pettersson’s $11.6 million salary cap hit presents a trade hurdle, as acquiring teams must have space to absorb that commitment. This factor could motivate the Canucks to explore moving him despite the apparent desire to retain their star. As the deadline approaches, the organization faces tough decisions balancing roster talent, cap management, and future direction.
How this situation resolves will have a major impact on the Canucks’ offseason strategy, as keeping or trading Pettersson sets the tone for the team’s rebuilding or competitive goals moving forward. For Vancouver fans and league observers alike, the final days before July 1 will reveal much about the franchise’s intentions and Pettersson’s role in the future of the club.