The trade speculation around both Vancouver Canucks stars Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller will continue to swirl until the trade deadline on March 7.
It seems that Miller is a hotter name on the market, but as Pettersson has also struggled with meeting his ordinary standards amid all the chatter this season, there are no guarantees on his stay in British Columbia.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported on Sportsnet's "Saturday Headlines" that Pettersson has informed Canucks management that he "would like to stay" with the team, offering the franchise some clarity on his vantage point.
"I heard this week that Pettersson, who does not have no-trade protection yet, has told the Canucks that he would like to stay," Friedman said. "And I think that their preference is to do that."
This comes a couple of weeks after Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin expressed to the media his belief in Pettersson's abilities, but that growth is needed and he is a potential trade candidate.
"Petey has shown up to this point that he is an extremely talented, quality player that could and should be a No. 1 center," Allvin said. "I believe in him. I believe that he's capable. (But) he needs to mature and understand that there are certain expectations and it does not get easier. And you need to face the music when things don't go well.
"Is it (a trade) possible? I guess I would say anything is possible."
Pettersson is 26 years old and in the first year of an eight-year contract worth $92.8 million.
He has collected 29 points in 39 games, which is a steep drop-off rate from the 89 and 102 he posted in the previous two seasons, respectively.
Pettersson's contract includes full no-trade protection beginning in the 2025–26 season, so he would not need to waive the clause for permission to trade him this season.
Read more: Canucks' JT Miller Responds to Trade Rumors, 'Whatever Happens, Happens'
The Canucks have dropped out of the playoffs, trailing the last wild-card spot in the Western Conference by one point at 20-15-10.
Allvin acknowledged the heightened expectations on Pettersson following his extension but emphasized that it shouldn't serve as a justification for underperformance.
"I think, again, it comes back to expectations and preparation, how you prepare yourself. I don't believe that he was aware of just how hard it was going to be," Allvin said. "Just because you achieve one thing to get a long-term extension, life just gets harder.
"You haven't really accomplished anything."
What is also worth noting is that in contrast to Pettersson, according to Friedman, the Canucks have allowed "some teams" to negotiate personal terms with Miller in preparation for a potential trade. This step is necessary, as the veteran forward would need to waive his no-move clause to facilitate a deal.
More NHL:
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