Following a massive contract extension signed in March 2024, Vancouver Canucks star center Elias Pettersson now carries an annual salary of $11.6 million—a figure reflective of his expected role as the team’s premier offensive threat. However, his performance since signing the deal has fallen well short of expectations. Rather than elevating the team with his skill and leadership, Pettersson’s struggles have become a central storyline in a season mired by controversy and underachievement.
Statistically, Pettersson endured one of the most disappointing campaigns of his career. After putting up strong numbers in the 2023-24 season, his production dropped dramatically. He finished with just 15 goals and 30 assists for 45 points—roughly half of his previous season’s output. While these numbers were already below expectations for a player of his caliber and salary, the on-ice challenges were compounded by off-ice turmoil.
The most glaring issue was Pettersson’s ongoing conflict with teammate J.T. Miller. What initially seemed like routine locker room disagreements eventually escalated into a full-blown rift, grabbing headlines and casting a shadow over the team’s season. The lack of chemistry between the two star players disrupted team cohesion, became a major distraction, and raised questions about leadership and culture within the organization.
As a result of these setbacks—both in production and relationships—Pettersson’s future with the Canucks has come under increasing scrutiny. Speculation has grown steadily, especially with his no-trade clause set to become active on July 1st, 2025. With limited time before that clause grants him control over potential destinations, there’s a window of opportunity for the Canucks to make a move if they believe the relationship is unsalvageable.
One team that has surfaced in trade rumors is the Montreal Canadiens. Seeking to take the next step in their rebuild and playoff aspirations, the Canadiens are reportedly exploring options to acquire a dynamic top-six center. Pettersson, despite his recent decline, still offers the skill set and upside that many teams would covet—especially if they believe a change of scenery could revitalize his game.
In a speculative trade scenario making the rounds, the Canadiens would reportedly offer a substantial package in exchange for Pettersson. This includes two first-round draft picks and four players, among them Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine. The proposal illustrates Montreal’s willingness to invest heavily in a top-tier center and potentially accelerate their path back to contention.
However, this hypothetical package has raised eyebrows across the NHL community. Given Pettersson’s recent struggles and hefty contract, it’s widely considered unrealistic for the Canucks to receive such a high return. Patrik Laine, though inconsistent himself, is a former 40-goal scorer with offensive flair, and Kirby Dach is still viewed as a promising young forward when healthy. Adding two first-round picks on top of that would be a steep price, especially for a player who appears to be on the decline—or at the very least, significantly off form.
Still, this scenario presents intriguing possibilities. If the Canadiens truly believe that Pettersson can return to his elite form, they may be willing to gamble significant assets. For Montreal, the appeal lies in pairing Pettersson with a young, skilled core, potentially putting them over the top in the Atlantic Division. For Vancouver, a deal like this—however unlikely—would offer a quick infusion of talent and future assets, while offloading a large financial commitment.
That said, a more realistic outcome would be for Vancouver to hold onto Pettersson heading into the 2025-26 season, hoping that he rebounds and regains his previous form. Should that happen, the Canucks could revisit trade discussions at the 2026 trade deadline, assuming Pettersson is willing to waive his no-move clause. If he plays well and rebuilds his value, Vancouver may either choose to keep him as a core piece or command a more fitting return in a future deal.
From the Canadiens’ perspective, the opportunity to acquire a player with Pettersson’s ceiling might be too tempting to ignore, particularly if they believe his recent performance was an anomaly rather than a new norm. Montreal has a strong pool of young assets and draft picks, and depending on how their offseason unfolds, they could be motivated to push chips in and pursue a major acquisition to solidify their roster.
Regardless of how this plays out, one thing is clear: the Canucks are approaching a critical decision point with Elias Pettersson. The combination of his expensive new contract, underwhelming performance, and locker room tension make it increasingly difficult for the organization to justify his long-term presence unless a dramatic turnaround occurs. The front office must weigh the risks of holding onto him versus the potential rewards of cashing in now while some value remains.
In conclusion, while the proposed trade between the Canadiens and Canucks involving Pettersson may lean heavily in Vancouver’s favor and is unlikely to come to fruition in its rumored form, it highlights the urgency surrounding his situation. Montreal’s rumored interest demonstrates that there are teams willing to consider bold moves to acquire top-tier talent—even when recent performances raise doubts. For Vancouver, if an offer close to this hypothetical deal were actually presented, it would be hard to imagine them walking away.
Whether Pettersson stays or goes, the 2025 offseason stands as a defining moment for his career and for the Canucks’ future direction. A bounce-back season could restore faith and silence critics; a continued decline, on the other hand, might force Vancouver’s hand sooner rather than later.
