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EspañolAs the first trade deadline of the Vancouver Canucks‘ rebuild approaches, we’re getting a sense of what the day might look like for the last-place team.
President of hockey operations Jim Rutherford and general manager Patrik Allvin already made headlines this week by sitting veteran defenceman Tyler Myers for roster management reasons as they work out a potential trade with the Detroit Red Wings.
“As we speak tonight, I believe that offer is still on the table,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on the Saturday Headlines segment of Hockey Night in Canada. “I think everyone was hoping there would be a decision by Monday.
“I also don’t believe, as we do this, that Vancouver has a firm other offer for Myers. I think they’re talking to teams, but I don’t get the sense that there’s anything else firm at this point in time.”
Myers, 36, has a full no-move clause this season, which means the Canucks require his approval for any trade to take place.
Myers might just be the first of many dominoes to fall ahead of the March 6 deadline as the Canucks have been open about their willingness to listen to offers on their veterans — including Elias Pettersson, their highest-paid player.
However, Friedman reported on Saturday that the Canucks would only be interested in trading him if they could also trade the entirety of his contract, as well.
“I think it’s quiet around him,” Friedman said of Pettersson, who has been in trade rumours on and off since the 2023-24 season. “The one thing I have heard about Pettersson is that the Canucks are not interested in retaining on him. I think they’ve been asked and I’ve heard that is not what they’re willing to do.”
The 27-year-old signed the richest contract in franchise history in 2024, committing to Vancouver for eight years and $92.8 million.
In 50 games this season, Pettersson has 13 goals and 35 points.
The 18-33-7 Canucks have already traded franchise defenceman Quinn Hughes and leading goal-scorer Kiefer Sherwood this season.