Canucks GM Patrik Allvin Opens Door to Elias Pettersson Trade Possibility With Latest Comments
Vancouver Canucks GM Patrik Allvin recently made some comments that led many to believe the door is open for a possible trade involving star Elias Pettersson.
In 2024, the Vancouver Canucks posted a 44-23-14 record, tying for sixth place in the NHL with a .630 points percentage.
They captured the Pacific Division title and won a non-pandemic playoff round last spring for the first time since their run to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.
And as the year wraps up with a New Year's Eve road game in Calgary, there's plenty for both the team and its fans to celebrate from the past 12 months.
But the Canucks have also struggled at times this season amidst a litany of lineup issues to live up to the standard and identity of last year's team.
At 17-10-8, they're still clinging to a wildcard playoff position by collecting points in the standings despite winning just five of 13 games in December (5-3-5). Notably, they have yet to secure back-to-back victories at home this season.
The calendar is about to be flipped to 2025, and fans wanted to know from general manager Patrik Allvin whether he is a half-full or half-empty type of guy in terms of the Elias Pettersson situation, who has heavily struggled at times.
Patrik Allvin reflected on the team's inability to find an identity consistently, with the underperformance of his top players, such as Elias Pettersson.
You haven't really accomplished anything. You're not even halfway there (to winning a Stanley Cup). And then obviously the mental part comes in there, too, and suddenly you feel the pressure.
Petey has shown up to this point that he is an extremely talented, quality player who could and should be a No. 1 center. 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."
Indeed, with deal-making president Jim Rutherford at the helm, it seems as if everything is on the table for the Canucks heading into the New Year, including dealing away Pettersson based on his recent comments.
Allvin (smiling): Well, you know Jim's history.
We want to build a team that sets us up for long-term success. Building around the long-term deals with Miller and Petey, having Quinn and Demko locked up, Filip Hronek and Jake DeBrusk, I mean, those are big pieces. Petey has shown up to this point that he is an extremely talented, quality player that could and should be a No. 1 centre. 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.
Canucks fans will be glued to their TVs and phones in the New Year to see if Elias Pettersson is indeed traded, and based on Allvin's comment, it appears absolutely anything is possible.
