Elias Pettersson Is the First Question the Canucks Can’t Duck
One question still exists for the Vancouver Canucks to answer. What should they do with the elder Elias Pettersson? He’s one of the bigger issues facing new GM Ryan Johnson. And, it’s right up there with “who do we take at third overall?”
Pettersson is the Canucks highest-paid player and their biggest question.
Pettersson remains the Canucks’ highest-paid player by a wide margin. Even with Thatcher Demko’s next contract looming, Pettersson still holds roughly a $3.1 million lead on the roster. The problem, of course, is that the return on that investment hasn't been what the organization hoped for. And in a salary cap system that doesn’t care about reputation, that becomes a simple balance sheet question.
Even given his long tenure with the team, his lack of production makes the question of what to do with him less an emotional issue and more a structural one. What role, if any, does Pettersson play in a retooling or rebalancing Canucks roster? And if the answer trends toward “not enough,” then it’s time to ask what his contract is actually worth on the open market.
Related: Jake DeBrusk Might Be the Canucks’ Most Logical Trade Asset.
Pettersson has a no-movement clause in his contract.
There is, of course, an important reality check in this consideration. Pettersson’s deal includes a full no-movement clause, which means any trade conversation begins and ends with his approval. And beyond that, there is no operational urgency pushing Vancouver toward a decision this offseason. The money isn’t burning a hole in ownership’s pocket, and slumps don’t typically worsen in predictable ways.
Standing pat might be the most rational path. But if we treat this as a pure logical consideration, the question becomes more interesting. What should leadership do with Pettersson? Should they look at his history and trust the long runway of his past production? Does he still have that amazing skill set, and does it come with the possibility of a reset season looming?
Or should the Canucks’ leadership treat his current performance curve as information that points to his future with the team, or lack of it? Might a different team unlock his success? And, if so, what could the Canucks bring back if they traded him?
Pettersson may represent the first major decision facing the new leadership group.
This is where front offices earn their keep. It’s one of those uncomfortable questions that will test their chops. And Pettersson, with all his talent and pedigree, now sits in a space that’s too important to ignore, too uncertain to settle, and too expensive to treat casually.
The Canucks may not have to decide this summer. But at some point, they will have to decide what kind of asset he really is.