With the calendar inching closer to July 1, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves in the middle of rising trade chatter involving star forward Elias Pettersson. Though the club inked him to an eight-year, $92.8 million extension in March last year, his no-movement clause (NMC) doesn’t kick in until the start of July, leaving a narrow window for teams hoping to make a move.
Several NHL teams are reportedly exploring last-minute trade possibilities, knowing this is their final chance to acquire Pettersson.
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, speaking on TSN’s “OverDrive,” there’s interest brewing below the surface.
“The Canucks certainly are giving off all indications that they are comfortable keeping him,” Johnston said. “That’s where they’re focused … but there are at least whispers that some teams are trying to get in and see in this last week whether they can use that window to perhaps get the player. This is really the last chance you have at a trade.”
“There are whispers that teams are making an attempt to acquire him.”@reporterchris dives into the trade discussions around Elias Pettersson and teams that are looking to get in the mix for a deal.#Canucks pic.twitter.com/P1YdRDGhgL
— OverDrive (@OverDrive1050) June 23, 2025
Once the NMC is activated, any trade would require Pettersson’s approval, giving him complete control over his future. For front offices hoping to strike a deal, the clock is ticking.
While the team’s public stance continues to back Pettersson as a key part of the franchise, there may be more at play internally. The Canucks missed the playoffs this year and Pettersson’s production dipped significantly, just 45 points in 64 games, down from 102 in 2022-23. That drop and the $11.6 million annual cap hit could make the trade more attractive.
Johnston added that some teams believe the Canucks could be quietly open to offers, especially with several renewal contracts and a growing desire for financial flexibility.
Though a move seems unlikely on the surface, insiders suggest that the Canucks might entertain a deal if the return is proper. Pettersson’s uneven season and rumored locker room tension, including a reported conflict with J.T. Miller that allegedly led to Miller’s trade, only fuels the speculation.
Pettersson knows the pressure is mounting. Drafted fifth overall in 2017, he was once seen as the franchise’s future. With fans growing restless, he faces questions about his long-term role.
Still, the 25-year-old remains optimistic. In a recent interview with Hockeysverige.se, a Swedish hockey publication, Pettersson said he welcomes the attention that comes with playing in a Canadian market. “I only see it as positive,” he said. “It’s a city that’s passionate about hockey.”
He acknowledged that being recognized constantly isn’t always easy but called it a “good problem.” He also credited Swedish veterans like former goalie Jacob Markström for helping him adjust early in his career.
Despite his struggles last season, Pettersson remains one of the Canucks’ longest-serving players, trailing only Thatcher Demko and Brock Boeser in tenure. A strong 2025-26 could quickly change the narrative, both with the Canucks and across the league.
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