The Vancouver Canucks are in turmoil, and it seems like it might be time for teams around the NHL to start pillaging their players. We already saw JT Miller leave after an apparent rift with Elias Pettersson. However, according to a report from Frank Seravalli, the Canucks might try to start fresh without either of those players on their roster.
Frank Seravalli: Canucks will re-engage with teams over Elias Pettersson trade before no trade clause kicks in this July, but open to keeping him - Daily Faceoff Live
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) May 29, 2025
Pettersson's no-trade clause will begin in July, which means the Canucks have a month to move him to a team without any limitations. As the Montreal Canadiens explore improving their depth with a new first line center, they might want to look into the Swedish star.
It hasn't been a good couple of seasons for Pettersson, but it's also unclear if the atmosphere in Vancouver is conducive to success. With Miller out of the picture, rumors about Quinn Hughes possibly wanting a fresh start, and Rick Tocchet mutually agreeing to part ways with the organization, it seems like everyone wants to get away from whatever is going wrong on the West Coast of Canada.
Pettersson had 45 points in 64 games last season, which presents another team the opportunity to sign him with his value at the absolute lowest. At his best he is a point-per-game player, and we seen his ceiling when he had 102 points in 80 games in 2022-23. The Canadiens wouldn't have wanted to pay the price to acquire him after that season, but his current value could be doable.
The Canucks would rush into a trade if it means beating the July 1 deadline. We've already seen that the Canadiens are willing to part with Logan Mailloux and a first-round pick in this year's draft. Could two of those assets be the starting point for a package to acquire Pettersson?
I look back at the comments from Denis Gauthier last week on Tony Marinaro's podcast. He mentioned about Arber Xhekaj being a trade candidate as a throw-in piece on a much bigger deal to acquire a second-line center. The Canucks need to improve their defensive depth, and adding Mailloux and Xhekaj in a deal would make that happen immediately.
Couple that with a top-16 prospect in this year's draft and the Canadiens are closing in on adding enough value to acquire their second-line center of the future. If Pettersson could regain his 100-point form with a fresh start, it'd be a price worth paying for Montreal.