The Vancouver Canucks are at a pivotal moment, with just over a week left to demonstrate their commitment to a full rebuild. The most significant move they could make ahead of the March 6 trade deadline would be trading away their former franchise centerpiece, Elias Pettersson.
While Filip Hronek might fetch a higher immediate return, parting ways with Pettersson would signal a clear shift in direction for the franchise. It's understandable to question whether the Canucks can execute such a bold move, but there's reported interest in their star center.
TSN’s Darren Dreger recently revealed that there's renewed trade interest in Pettersson. The Canucks are hopeful this interest transforms into a substantial offer worth considering, though nothing concrete has materialized yet.
Pettersson’s agents are well-informed about the ongoing discussions, but they plan to involve Pettersson only when a potential deal is on the table. This aligns with what Pettersson’s agent, J.P. Barry, mentioned last month, emphasizing that a deal isn't real until a general manager makes it official.
A major obstacle in this process is the question of whether the Canucks are willing to retain part of Pettersson’s hefty contract. There's been no indication so far that they are open to this, although it's a critical factor in trade negotiations.
Rick Dhaliwal reported that some teams are looking for the Canucks to retain between $2.6 million and $3 million annually on Pettersson’s salary. Teams are interested in acquiring Pettersson for under $10 million.
With the Canucks entering a rebuild and the salary cap set to rise from $95.5 million to $104 million next season, retaining salary could be a strategic move if it means securing a strong return.
The Canucks have the capacity to retain up to three salaries simultaneously, with only one spot currently occupied by Ilya Mikheyev’s $712,500. It's separate from buyouts, like the $4.7 million they owe Oliver Ekman-Larsson this season.
If Vancouver is truly committed to rebuilding, retaining salary on a Pettersson trade could be a powerful step toward constructing a future Stanley Cup contender.