Why the Red Wings should (and shouldn't) trade for Elias Pettersson

The Red Wings could absolutely use the 27-year-old former 100-point player in their lineup, but is the track record worth the risk?

ByChad Twaro|

Jan 31, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson (40) shoots against the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images | Bob Frid-Imagn Images

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Conclusion: Elias Pettersson is worth the risk

Overall, the benefits outweigh the risks of Pettersson. The player he was through his age 25 season is rarely available in free agency. The downside is he may be an expensive, but still effective, second-line center on a team that has been searching unsuccessfully for one since Pavel Datsyuk retired.

NHL front offices are risk averse. But fortune favors the bold. There is enough of a floor for Pettersson to be worth trying it because the ceiling is so high.

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Conclusion: Elias Pettersson is worth the risk

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