Elias Pettersson Trade Rumors Swirl, But Star Center Holds the Cards
As the Vancouver Canucks navigate one of their most pivotal seasons in recent memory, all eyes are on Elias Pettersson - and not just because of what he’s doing on the ice. The 25-year-old center, a former 102-point scorer and the heartbeat of Vancouver’s offense, has found himself at the center of swirling trade speculation. But here’s the kicker: there’s no real traction on a deal, and according to league insiders, that’s largely because Pettersson isn’t looking to go anywhere.
On Donnie and Dhali, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman made it clear: “I just haven’t been given any indication that he is willing to waive at this point in time.” That’s a key detail.
Pettersson holds a full no-movement clause in his contract - a powerful bit of leverage that gives him complete control over his future. That clause runs through the 2031-32 season, meaning unless he gives the green light, the Canucks can’t move him.
Period.
So while teams across the league are undoubtedly circling - and who wouldn’t be interested in a dynamic, two-way center in his prime - any potential deal starts and ends with Pettersson’s willingness to entertain it. Right now, there’s no sign that’s happening.
For Vancouver, that’s both a blessing and a complication. On one hand, it’s a sign that Pettersson still sees something in this group, this city, and this front office. On the other, if the Canucks were even thinking about a blockbuster retool, their biggest trade chip might not be available to cash in.
Around the League: Robert Thomas, Ross Colton Injury Update
Shifting over to St. Louis, the Blues are in an interesting spot.
They’re seen by many as potential sellers ahead of the deadline, but don’t expect them to part with Robert Thomas without a serious offer. The 24-year-old center is a cornerstone piece, and the Blues are treating him like one.
Per a report from Anthony Di Marco, the asking price for Thomas is sky-high - and for good reason. He’s under contract long-term, plays in all situations, and continues to develop into a reliable top-line pivot.
One team reportedly reached out to gauge interest, but talks fizzled fast once the price tag became clear. Simply put, the Blues aren’t actively shopping Thomas - but if someone wants to blow them away, they’ll listen.
That’s standard due diligence, not a fire sale.
Meanwhile, in Colorado, the Avalanche had to shuffle their forward group in a tough loss to the Flyers. Ross Colton was ruled out before the game with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day. That opened the door for Joel Kiviranta to slot back into the lineup after missing nearly a month with an injury of his own.
Kiviranta didn’t register a point in his return, and the Avs couldn’t get much going offensively in what turned into a rough night. But with Colton’s status up in the air, Colorado may need Kiviranta to shake off the rust quickly and provide some depth scoring in the short term.
Final Word
As the trade deadline creeps closer, the market is starting to take shape - and so are the storylines. Whether it’s a franchise player like Pettersson holding firm in Vancouver, a high-value asset like Thomas drawing cautious interest, or teams like Colorado trying to weather injuries down the stretch, the pieces are moving.
Slowly, maybe. But they’re moving.
And in today’s NHL, that’s often the calm before the chaos.