The Chicago Blackhawks could be set to make a major move ahead of the trade deadline. Chicago may not be widely seen as a potential buyer in the market. After all, the team has hovered near the bottom of the Central Division standings and would not make the playoffs if they started today. Nevertheless, the Blackhawks are being linked with a blockbuster trade to bring in a star forward.
Patrick Johnston of The Province is claiming that his local Vancouver Canucks are receiving calls on the availability of Elias Pettersson. The center is one of several Canucks players who could soon be on the move. Vancouver currently sits bottom of the Pacific Division and is heading towards a total rebuild. As a result, players such as Kiefer Sherwood, Jake DeBrusk, and Evander Kane could be acquired for the right price.
Pettersson, however, would be the pick of the bunch. And according to Johnston, the Blackhawks, as well as the San Jose Sharks, are the best fits for the star. “A team that needs a top-notch center, one who is close to elite but not a true out-and-out No. 1 guy, say, like Chicago or San Jose, who have young superstars as their top-line centers, would be a good fit,” claimed Johnston.
Connor Bedard (Chicago) and Macklin Celebrini (San Jose) are two of the highest-rated young centers in the NHL. Pettersson could go to either team and immediately fill in as the second center. This would take the pressure off the star, while also providing one of the youngsters with quality veteran leadership.
Chicago Blackhawks Hold Key Advantage in Elias Pettersson Sweepstakes
GettyElias Pettersson is one of the highest-paid centers in the NHL.
The Blackhawks would seemingly have an advantage over the Sharks due to their financial situation. According to PuckPedia.com, Chicago has the highest current cap space in the entire league. This is particularly notable due to Pettersson’s massive contract with the Canucks.
The center previously signed an eight-year, $92.8 million ($11.6 million AAV) deal with his current club. Although Vancouver will almost certainly retain some of this salary, the Blackhawks could easily take on the cap hit. San Jose, on the other hand, would have to get very creative to acquire Pettersson’s contract.
Pettersson has yet to Discuss Waiving Clause with his Current Club
One potential issue for Chicago, or any other club, is the fact that Pettersson has a no-move clause in his deal. This means that the player has to personally accept any proposed trade before it can be completed. And according to NHL insider Darren Dreger, the Canucks have not yet discussed the situation with Pettersson or his agent.
Dreger, however, is reporting that Vancouver is listening to offers for just about any of their players, including the star center. The Canucks even believe that Pettersson will likely benefit from a change of scenery with a new team.
Chicago’s potential interest in Pettersson would make sense due to the length of his current contract. The Blackhawks are not expected to truly contend for at least another year or two. With Pettersson under contract until the summer of 2032, Chicago would have an impressive one-two punch in the middle of the ice for the foreseeable future. With the duo, team officials would have a solid foundation to build around in the coming seasons.
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