The “Open for Business” sign is officially hanging in Vancouver, and it’s both terrifying and exciting for hockey fans. The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly willing to listen to offers on superstar center Elias Pettersson, provided the right deal materializes and he agrees to waive his No-Movement Clause (NMC). While the Carolina Hurricanes were early suitors, Marco D’Amico reports that two new, flush-with-assets teams have emerged: The Philadelphia Flyers and the Utah Mammoth.
Both Utah and Philadelphia are looking to accelerate their competitive timelines. They have the cap space to handle Pettersson’s enormous $11.6 million AAV for the next four years, but here is my insight: nobody is taking that full contract right now.
If the Canucks want a true blockbuster return, they must retain salary. If Vancouver retains 25%—dropping his cap hit to an incredibly valuable $8.7M AAV—Pettersson transforms from a distressed asset into the most valuable commodity on the trade market. That level of retention demands a massive haul.
Why Salary Retention Changes the Entire Conversation
It feels like we are watching a slow-motion car crash in Vancouver this season. The fact that GM Patrik Allvin is even entertaining calls on his franchise center shows how dire the situation has become. Pettersson holds all the cards with his NMC, but if he wants to win now, staying put might not be his best option.
The Flyers and Mammoth are both incredibly intriguing landing spots. Utah is a sleeping giant with a treasure trove of draft picks and young talent waiting to explode. Philadelphia has aggressively retooled and needs a bona fide 1C to pair with Matvei Michkov.
But let’s be real about the money. $11.6M for a player currently struggling is a non-starter for most GMs. However, at $8.7M (with 25% retention), you are getting a franchise center for the next four and a half seasons at a discount. That reality means the Canucks should demand the moon, the stars, and a handful of first-round picks.
The Proposed Massive Hauls for Vancouver
If the Canucks agree to retain 25%, here is what I believe a fair, “expert-level” demand looks like from both suitors to kickstart Vancouver’s rebuild:
The Utah Mammoth Package: Utah needs a playmaker to solidify their center depth. Vancouver targets their blend of NHL readiness and massive size.
- To Utah: Elias Pettersson (25% retained – $8.7M AAV)
- To Vancouver: Top Prospects Daniil But (LW) and Caleb Desnoyers (C), and a 2026 1st Round Pick.
The Philadelphia Flyers Package: The Flyers need a center whose timeline matches Michkov’s prime. Vancouver targets Philadelphia’s deep prospect pool at center.
- To Philadelphia: Elias Pettersson (25% retained – $8.7M AAV)
- To Vancouver: Top prospects Porter Martone (RW), Jett Luchanko (C), and a 2026 1st Round Pick.
These are eye-watering prices, but for a cost-controlled Elias Pettersson, that is the cost of doing business in today’s NHL.
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