Shocking Possibility Emerges for the Maple Leafs to Acquire Elias Pettersson

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Graham Montgomery
February 28, 2024 (7:12 PM)

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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 Unwilling To Sign Extension With Canucks?

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.

If Elias Pettersson really doesn't want to re-sign with the Vancouver Canucks, almost every team should try to acquire him. In our opinion, Pettersson is a TOP10 center in the NHL & he's still only 25 years old. We don't remember the last time a player like him was traded.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could potentially pay the steep price to acquire Pettersson, should they be willing to shake up their core.

Pettersson Trade To Maple Leafs Emerges Online

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.

If Elias Pettersson is really on the table, the Maple Leafs should build a package around Marner to get him from the Canucks.

If Tavares is going to be 3C, running a centre line of Matthews-Pettersson-Tavares would be unbeatable.

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.