Could the Vancouver Canucks Move Elias Pettersson in a Three Team Trade?

The Montreal Canadiens need a second-line center; however, Dylan Larkin remains steadfast in not adding teams to his trade list, which has grown from 3 to 5 teams and now to 10. From the outset of the trade request, the only way the Detroit Red Wings were going to get what they wanted- NHL players in return, one of which is a center- was to get a third team involved.

Meanwhile, interest in center Elias Pettersson is picking up again across the league. Could he be an option for the Canadiens at second-line center? As Jim Biringer of Full Press Hockey said during his appearance on Off the Rush on Pulse 101.1 in Vancouver, the Canadiens make sense because of their need at the position, but he added that Elias Pettersson could be part of a three-team package if it came together.

Full Press Hockey Transcriptions

Host: “I was actually going to ask you about Montreal not being on Dylan Larkin’s list. So I was thinking, what if the Montreal Canadiens are interested in the Vancouver Canucks and Elias Pettersson, who is playing pretty well for the Canucks right now? He’s a point-per-game player, and I wonder what you know, teams around the league think about Pettersson right now, as he has started off better than he did the last couple of seasons. Montreal is definitely a team. If they’re not able to get Dylan Larkin there, because Dylan Larkin doesn’t want to go to Montreal, I wonder if they pivot and look at a Elias Pettersson.”

Jim Biringer: “Yeah, it’s an option for them on the second line. I’m just not sure they’re going to want to take on that whole salary. I think Vancouver might have to eat some salary on that. I’m not sure Montreal and Kent Hughes are going to take on $11.6 million AAV over the next several years. That’s not something that they’re interested in.

But Pettersson is an option for teams. I know, talking with people around the league, they like what you’ve seen from him. He’s got a good attitude. He comes in and looks in great shape. He’s taking what the Sedins had said to him to heart. He’s buying into what Vancouver is doing, and it’s not going to be an easy year in Vancouver. So maybe he’s like, all right, if maybe I’m not going to be a part of the solution here. Maybe I need to go find my game and go elsewhere.

Around Full Press Hockey

Tampa Bay Lightning: Nikita Kucherov Walks the Road to Free Agency

Montreal Canadiens: Could the Montreal Canadiens Trade for Dylan Larkin?

Detroit Red Wings: What is the Long-Term Plan in Detroit with Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson

Minnesota Wild: Quinn Hughes Will Make a Decision When He is Ready To

PODCAST: NHL BOMBSHELL! Nikita Kucherov REQUESTS A TRADE?! Lightning Superstar Wants OUT!

WANT MORE PODCASTS? NHL TRADE RUMORS! Washington Capitals Linked to Dylan Larkin & Nikita Kucherov — Does It Make Sense?

Again, we talk about, just bring Larkin back into this for a minute. We talk about Montreal. Maybe they could use him. Well, say for instance, you need a third team for Detroit and Minnesota to work something out. Is Pettersson a player that goes to Detroit? Just talking with some around the league, is that an option for the Detroit Red Wings?

Because he could fit in nicely there as well to replace the Larkin Center that they’re looking for. So there are options out there. I think Pettersson’s value is much higher than it was at the end of last season than it is now. So he’s a player thatteams could be eyeing, maybe not so much at the deadline, maybe next offseason.

But again, if the right offer comes along, one phone call changes everything, as they say in this business.”

Host: “Very interesting point there, Jim. Three-way trade. I don’t know what was the last time we saw a three way trade in the NHL, but that makes a ton of sense. Detroit needs to replace Dylan Larkin and Pettersson makes a ton of sense to go to a Detroit who doesn’t want to rebuild. I think they want to continue retooling and be a playoff team in the next couple of years.”

Full Pres Hockey Analysis: Everyone knows it is going to be a tough year in Vancouver as the Canucks will finish near the bottom of the standings. Elias Pettersson is finding his form again. He may never be back to his rookie Calder Trophy season or his 100-point season, but Pettersson looks like a number one center again in the NHL. 

Pettersson was in the rumor mill over the last couple of seasons. The Carolina Hurricanes were going to trade for him before making a move for Mikko Rantanen. However, after a disappointing season, his trade value was low. Plus, no team wanted to take on that $11.6 million AAV. But this season, with 18 points (four goals and 14 assists) in 18 games, he is back to being a point-per-game player.

Given that the Detroit Red Wings need a center for Dylan Larkin’s return, the Canucks could hypothetically be the third team needed to make this deal happen. The player does have a full no-movement clause, so he would have to agree to go there, but that is the type of player Detroit wants in return.

Could they get Jake DeBrusk out of it if the Canucks were to be part of a three-team trade with Minnesota and Detroit involving Larkin? The last three-team trade involved Matt Duchene, the Colorado Avalanche, the Nashville Predators, and the Ottawa Senators. However, keep an eye on the Vancouver Canucks as the season moves along.

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