The NHL rumor mill is swirling once again, and this time, all eyes are on Vancouver as the future of Elias Pettersson hangs in the balance. As whispers of a potential blockbuster trade gain momentum, the Vancouver Canucks’ intentions are becoming increasingly transparent, leaving rival teams—and fans—wondering what comes next for one of the league’s most dynamic centers. With the Montreal Canadiens lurking as a potential suitor, the situation is growing more intriguing by the day.

Pettersson’s name has surfaced repeatedly in trade talks, and recent developments suggest that Vancouver is more motivated than ever to make a deal before his no-trade clause kicks in this July. For the Canadiens, this could be a rare chance to pounce on a franchise-altering talent at a potentially discounted price. As speculation intensifies and the clock ticks down, the hockey world is watching closely to see whether Montreal’s front office will seize the moment and bring a game-changing star to Quebec. The stakes are high, the rumors are hot, and the next few weeks could shape the futures of both organizations for years to come.

The Vancouver Canucks clearly aren’t great at hiding their intentions, and the Montreal Canadiens should take advantage of it.

At this point, it’s completely obvious they no longer want Elias Pettersson and are looking to trade him, so there’s a real opportunity for a steal here.

Let’s not forget that, at the most recent NHL trade deadline, the Canucks tried to trade Pettersson without success. After that, they made a statement that sounded something like:

“Too bad for you, we’re keeping Pettersson because we love him anyway and he’ll finish his career here.”

It literally sounded like that, but it was a weak bluff.

Now, as if by magic, Pettersson is already back on the trade market.

The Canucks Want to Trade Star Player Elias Pettersson, and It’s a Big Opportunity for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens

So yes, it’s once again possible for the Habs to acquire Pettersson, and, at the risk of repeating myself, his price keeps going down.

“Frank Seravalli: Canucks will re-engage with teams over Elias Pettersson trade before no trade clause kicks in this July, but open to keeping him”

– Daily Faceoff Live

Another reason the price could drop is that the Canucks have until July 1 to trade him, before his no-trade clause kicks in.

Do you think Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton should jump on the opportunity?

We’re still talking about an elite center here, someone with legitimate game-changing talent.

Pettersson, 26 years old, is a complete 6-foot-2, 180-pound center who was the 5th overall pick by the Canucks in 2017. He recorded 45 points in 64 games this season.

In 2024, he tallied 89 points in 82 games (34 goals), and in 2023, he put up 102 points in 80 games (39 goals).

In his playoff career, Pettersson has 24 points in 30 games.

Pettersson is under contract for six more seasons at an annual cap hit of $11.6 million.