The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly interested in star forward as a potential trade target ahead of the March 7 deadline.
Top star has been at the center of trade speculation throughout the season, particularly after a reported rift with J.T. Miller. The Vancouver Canucks ultimately traded Miller to the New York Rangers, but with him still struggling, his name continues to surface in trade discussions.
NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has listed him on his trade bait board, noting the Red Wings as a team with interest.
“With J.T. Miller dealt to the Rangers, the Canucks have slowed things down with respect to the top star’s trade market,” Pagnotta wrote. “They’ll continue to listen, but unless someone blows their socks off — Pettersson has expressed his desire to stay in Vancouver — at this point, a move ahead of the deadline may be a surprise. But never say never.”
He is in the first season of his eight-year, $92.8 million contract with the Canucks. So far, he has played in 51 games, tallying 11 goals and 24 assists for 35 points.
Canucks Coach Calls Out Pettersson
Elias Pettersson has long been a star for Vancouver, but he’s struggled to find his rhythm this season.
Following the Canucks’ loss on February 22, head coach Rick Tocchet openly critiqued Pettersson’s play while speaking with Sportsnet’s Iain McIntyre.
“We’ve talked about how he has to move his feet and can’t double clutch (with the puck),” Tocchet said. “I think he’s waiting for something. I don’t know if it’s a lack of confidence in his shot, but as soon as he has room, he’s got to take it and… just blast it. I’d rather him just rip a puck right now. He’s not moving his feet. Today, there were some shifts where he did, and we saw glimpses. But six-on-five at the end, it’s the same thing—waiting. If he just takes three or four strides… I don’t know if it’s a mental block right now, all year, but he’s got to move his feet.” A four-time NHL All-Star, Pettersson posted a career-high 102 points last season but has struggled to replicate that success this year.
Red Wings in Playoff Spot
The Detroit Red Wings are clinging to a Wild Card spot as they push to end their playoff drought.
Following an overtime loss to Minnesota on February 22, Detroit bounced back with a 5-4 OT win over Anaheim, securing three points over the weekend. While it was a solid result, head coach Todd McLellan emphasized the need for improvement.
“We’re happy with the win,” McLellan said. “We got into a situation similar to last night, where the last three or four minutes we had to play 6-on-5. It’s pretty evident we have to do a better job.”
Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider echoed that sentiment, acknowledging the team still has work to do.
“Luckily, we got two points tonight,” Seider said. “But we’ll definitely learn, analyze, and then get better.”
Detroit currently holds a 29-22-6 record as they fight to maintain their Wild Card position.