Massive Five-Player Trade Proposal Sends $92.8M Canucks Center Elias Pettersson to the Montreal Canadiens in Controversial NHL Blockbuster
A major trade concept making waves across the NHL fanbase proposes a blockbuster deal between the Vancouver Canucks and the Montreal Canadiens—centered around Vancouver’s franchise forward, Elias Pettersson. The proposed swap involves a total of five players and two first-round draft picks, and while it’s only a hypothetical scenario at this stage, the boldness of the deal has stirred intense debate.
Elias Pettersson, one of the Canucks’ cornerstone players, signed a lucrative extension in March 2024 worth a whopping $92.8 million over eight years, locking in an average annual value (AAV) of $11.6 million. He was expected to be the face of the franchise and lead the team into a new era of competitive success. However, things haven’t gone to plan.
Pettersson’s 2024–25 season has fallen drastically short of expectations. Compared to his standout campaign the year before, his offensive numbers have dipped significantly. He recorded only 15 goals and 30 assists, totaling 45 points—a steep drop-off from his previous output. Yet his on-ice performance wasn’t the only concern; his turbulent relationship with teammate J.T. Miller drew unwanted media attention and reportedly caused friction in the Canucks’ locker room throughout the season.
These issues have ignited widespread speculation about Pettersson’s long-term future in Vancouver. Although he is currently locked into a fresh long-term deal, his full no-trade clause does not activate until July 1, 2025. That small window has led to increasing chatter that the Canucks might be tempted to shop their superstar before losing flexibility in trade negotiations.
Enter the Montreal Canadiens.
The Canadiens, who are striving to emerge from a long rebuild and establish themselves as legitimate playoff contenders, have been linked to interest in a top-tier center. The proposed trade sends shockwaves through the fanbase due to the scale of assets moving in both directions.
The Proposed Deal
To Vancouver Canucks:
Patrik Laine (F)
Kirby Dach (F)
Michael Hage (signing rights)
Logan Mailloux (D)
2025 first-round pick (from Calgary)
2025 first-round pick (Montreal’s own)
To Montreal Canadiens:
Elias Pettersson (C)
This imagined trade would represent a monumental shakeup for both organizations.
Patrik Laine, a streaky but offensively gifted winger, and Kirby Dach, a center with top-six potential who’s battled injuries, headline the package going to Vancouver. Add to that two first-round draft selections in 2025—one of which is originally from Calgary—and two promising prospects in Michael Hage and Logan Mailloux, and the return is substantial. It’s the kind of deal a team makes if they believe they’re acquiring a true franchise cornerstone, which Montreal clearly would view Pettersson as.
From Vancouver’s perspective, the idea of parting ways with Pettersson, especially so soon after extending him, is difficult. However, if management believes the relationship has soured or the locker room chemistry is beyond repair, this might be a strategic reset that injects both youth and depth into the organization.
But is such a return even realistic?
Pettersson’s $11.6 million cap hit and underwhelming recent performance would certainly temper his market value. Despite his elite potential, many observers argue that no team would be willing to give up this kind of premium package unless Pettersson were playing at a consistent, elite level. Given his recent struggles and personality clashes, it’s fair to say this hypothetical offer may be more generous than anything the Canucks would actually receive in the current market.
Still, Montreal’s front office might believe that a change of scenery could revitalize Pettersson’s game, especially if he’s surrounded by complementary linemates and given the reins to lead a young, emerging core. The Canadiens have built up an impressive collection of draft picks and prospects in recent years, and the theory is that packaging some of those assets for a known quantity could accelerate their climb up the standings.
It’s important to note that this trade is purely speculative and not grounded in any official team negotiations. However, the timing does align intriguingly with Pettersson’s no-trade clause looming just weeks away. If Vancouver truly believes his situation is untenable, they may need to act fast—whether that means pulling off a mega-deal like this or something smaller and more realistic.
Ultimately, the best-case scenario for the Canucks might not involve a trade at all. If Pettersson rebounds next season, regains his scoring touch, and improves his locker room dynamics, the team could benefit greatly from retaining their top center. On the other hand, if his struggles persist and internal tensions grow, the team might explore options at the trade deadline or revisit negotiations once the player agrees to waive his no-move clause.
If the Canadiens were to present a proposal as strong as this one, Vancouver would be hard-pressed to decline. The return package would offer a mix of immediate NHL talent and future building blocks, giving the Canucks a balanced foundation to retool without undergoing a full rebuild.
As fans debate the merits of this potential move, it raises broader questions about how the Canucks want to structure their roster going forward. Is Pettersson still the centerpiece of their future, or is it time to look in a new direction?
What’s certain is this: until July 1st, the door remains open for a blockbuster move, and this one—while unlikely—might be too enticing to ignore.
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