The past few days have been among the busiest around the league in recent memory, with teams moving players like Brady Tkachuk, Bowen Byram, Jordan Kyrou, Simon Nemec, and recently Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade with the Washington Capitals. For the Montreal Canadiens, who were hoping to add a center for their second line, the options are running out.
The Canadiens have been clear in what they view as their ideal trade target, a younger player who has term left on his contract. Outside of Mason McTavish, there really isn't anyone who fits that description, and Kent Hughes might be forced to look at maybe some riskier targets.
One of those targets could be Elias Pettersson, who reportedly is available, and the Vancouver Canucks might be willing to retain some salary to get a deal done, according to Marco D'Amico.
Pettersson's contract still has six years left and an AAV of $11.6 million, so any team that trades for Pettersson is making a significant financial commitment. If the Canucks are willing to even retain $3 million per season left on that contract, that is $18 million, and the return for Vancouver to do that would have to be significant.
At one time, Pettersson looked like a rising star with three straight seasons of 30 or more goals from 2021-22 through the 2023-24 season. However, the past two seasons have not been nearly as productive, with only 30 goals and 66 assists combined.
Montreal Canadiens have to be very confident that Elias Pettersson can bounce back with the contract he has
The question that the Canadiens have to answer is whether this downturn in production is because of the player or the struggles of the team. This past season, the Canucks finished last in the Pacific Division with only 58 points.
However, as D'Amico notes, playing in Montreal could take some pressure off him as he won't be expected to be the top center. It might be just the right situation for him to bounce back and play like he did a few seasons ago.
There is plenty of reason to be hopeful that Pettersson could get back on track, and if Kent Hughes is determined to upgrade that spot, this may end up being the only option. However, with that contract, it is the type of move the Canadiens have avoided and why their rebuild has been as successful as it has been.
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