The Vancouver Canucks are potentially in a very dangerous situation when it comes to star center Elias Pettersson. The forward has not made it clear whether or not he will be re-signing with the team, putting the Canucks in a position where they may have to consider trading him.
Pettersson is a young star who can be a centerpiece on an NHL club. These kinds of players do not become available on the trade market very often. When they do, they come at a cost. That being said, if the forward is not fully committed to the team for the long-term, it may be their best move.
Acquiring a player like Pettersson will require a huge offer. One player that has somewhat been in trade rumors for the Leafs is Mitch Marner. After Willian Nylander and Auston Matthews each received huge contract extensions, it has become less likely that the team will be able to sign the winger long-term. As such, trading him away for a younger player who is also a center like Pettersson could make a lot of sense.
The Leafs would likely have to throw in other assets in this deal as well and the Canucks may want to sign Marner to an extension before a deal is finalized. If it can be done though, this deal would shake up the entire complexion of the NHL. Be sure to stay tuned to see if these rumors continue to heat up between Pettersson and the Canucks.
