Elias Pettersson’s trajectory in the NHL has taken a sharp turn over the last couple of seasons. Once hailed as the future of the Vancouver Canucks after a dazzling 102-point campaign in 2022-23, the Swedish center now finds himself at a crossroads.
His production has dipped, his role has become murky, and his long-term future in Vancouver feels increasingly uncertain. The buzz around a potential trade is growing louder-and if the Canucks do decide to move him, the New York Islanders should be first in line.
Let’s rewind for a second. Pettersson’s $11.6 million per year extension looked like a no-brainer at the time.
He was dynamic, creative, and had proven he could carry a top line. But since then, things have unraveled.
A reported rift with J.T. Miller-one that ultimately led to Miller’s exit-cast a shadow over the locker room, and Pettersson’s offensive output has taken a significant hit.
Over his last 105 games, he’s been producing at a 58-point pace. That’s a far cry from the elite numbers he once posted, and it’s raised legitimate questions about whether he can still be that guy.
But here’s the thing: talent like Pettersson’s doesn’t just disappear. Sometimes, it just needs a fresh start.
Enter the Islanders, who suddenly find themselves in a position to make a splash. Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer has breathed new life into the organization, and New York is sitting second in a wide-open Metropolitan Division. With a solid core already in place-Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, Ilya Sorokin, and now Schaefer-the Isles are one big move away from becoming a serious threat in the East.
New GM Mathieu Darche has done a commendable job laying the groundwork for sustainable success. He’s added draft capital, built up the prospect pool, and maintained enough cap flexibility to maneuver.
That’s a rare combination for a team that’s also winning games. So why not take a calculated swing?
Pettersson might not be putting up 100-point seasons right now, but he’s still only 27. He’s a skilled, cerebral player who can drive offense and elevate those around him.
And because his stock has dipped, the cost to acquire him might be as low as it’ll ever be. That’s where the Islanders could strike gold.
What Would It Take to Bring Pettersson to Long Island?
Vancouver is reportedly prioritizing a center in any Pettersson deal, which makes Danny Nelson a logical starting point. Nelson, the Islanders’ 2023 second-round pick, has been turning heads at the collegiate level and just impressed with Team USA at the World Juniors. He’s a strong two-way center with upside, and he fits the mold of what the Canucks are looking for.
But one piece won’t get it done. The Islanders have two first-round picks in 2026, and tossing one into the mix could tip the scales. From there, adding another prospect-someone like Isaiah George or Jesse Pulkkinen-would give Vancouver a package that balances potential with flexibility.
Of course, the money has to work, too. To match Pettersson’s cap hit, the Islanders would likely need to move a contract with some weight.
Names like Jonathan Drouin, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, or Maxim Tsyplakov could be in play. Vancouver might ask for salary retention or additional assets, which would force Darche to sharpen the offer even more.
But the framework is there.
It’s also worth noting that this isn’t the same version of Pettersson that once lit up the league. That matters in trade talks.
Teams aren’t paying for a top-10 scorer-they’re paying for a talented but inconsistent player who may need a new environment to get back to that level. That reality could keep the price from ballooning out of reach.
Why the Fit Makes Sense
Long Island might be exactly what Pettersson needs. It’s a quieter market, one where he can focus on his game without the daily spotlight that comes with playing in Vancouver.
Just ask Bo Horvat-he’s found stability and success since making the move. Pettersson could follow a similar path.
And from the Islanders' perspective, this is the kind of move that signals belief in the current group. The Metropolitan Division is up for grabs.
The team has momentum. Adding a player with Pettersson’s ceiling-especially at a potentially discounted price-could be the difference between making the playoffs and making noise in the playoffs.
The Islanders have the assets, the cap room, and the need. Pettersson has the skill, the motivation, and the opportunity to bounce back.
Sometimes, all it takes is the right fit at the right time. This might be one of those moments.