If there's a player up for trade, the Detroit Red Wings have their names written all over them. Or, at least, that's how it's appeared these last few weeks. For one reason or another, every single big-name trade candidate seems linked to Detroit in some way or another. From top-four defensemen like Mackenzie Weegar to second line centers like Robert Thomas, general manager Steve Yzerman has made it clear that his goal is to add this trade deadline.
One of the biggest names he's been linked to acquiring is Vancouver Canucks star center Elias Pettersson. Last week, Ottawa Sun reporter Bruce Garrioch revealed that the Red Wings are "aggressively pursuing" Pettersson in preparation for the upcoming deadline. "We’re told the Detroit Red Wings have been aggressive in their pursuit of the 27-year-old Pettersson, who could use a change of scenery," Garrioch said.
This isn't the first time Pettersson has been linked to the Red Wings. In fact, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos recently brought up Pettersson and Detroit in his post-Olympic trade deadline board.
Why the Canucks want to trade Pettersson
Elias Pettersson, the former fourth overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, has had a tumultuous career. Four seasons ago, Pettersson put up a career-best 102 points, leading the Canucks in scoring in 2022-23. His subsequent seasons saw drops in production, from 89 points in 2023-24 to just 45 points last season. This year, he's managed just 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points in 51 games.
To say Pettersson needs a change of scenery is an understatement. Last season's public feud between Pettersson and former teammate J.T. Miller created a rift that eventually resulted in the latter's trade. Since then, the Canucks have spiraled out of control and now sit last place in the NHL with a 18-34-7 record.
I sat down with Canucks president Jim Rutherford. He had things to say about the untenable situation in which the team finds itself: Vancouver Canucks team president says there is no good solution in rift between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller - The Globe and Mail
January 28, 2025How Pettersson can help the Red Wings
The Red Wings have been very public in their pursuit of a second line center. Garrioch believes this is their main reasoning for targeting Pettersson. "The Red Wings are concerned about their depth in the middle behind captain Dylan Larkin and Pettersson would bring much-need skill," Garrioch added.
Pettersson, 27, comes to the Red Wings with playoff experience, term, and a ton of talent. While known primarily for his playmaking ability, he's scored at least 25 goals in five of his eight career seasons in the NHL. In 30 career playoff games, Pettersson has eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points. Placing Pettersson on the second line - or even the first line - frees up captain Dylan Larkin from some of the more intense minutes he's been asked to take on in his time with Detroit.
The cost of a star center
The biggest concern, however, comes in the form of cost. Pettersson's contract, per PuckPedia, runs until the 2031-2032 season with an average annual value of $11.6 million per season. Detroit is one of three teams capable of taking on Pettersson's contract without retaining salary. To top it all off, Canucks head coach recently benched Pettersson during the final minutes of a recent 5-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken.
“He’s got to be better, and he knows that," Foote said in a postgame press conference. "He knows he’s got to be better for us and I’m sure we’ll see that next game."
Having said that, Pettersson won't come cheap. A former 100-point forward at just 27 years of age will likely command multiple first round picks and prospects. Whether this trade happens will entirely depend on how much Yzerman is willing to pay for Pettersson.
The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline comes to an end on Friday, March 6th, at 3:00 P.M. EST.