Dhaliwal Pours Cold Water on Imminent Pettersson Trade
The summer's loudest NHL trade story has lost some of its urgency. Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal, one of the most closely watched reporters on Vancouver's front office, has stated this week that Elias Pettersson has not been asked to waive his no-movement clause and that nothing is close to a resolution. "Lots of Elias Pettersson trade talk but as of now, he has not been asked to waive his no-move clause to go anywhere," Dhaliwal wrote. "Lots of chatter but don't believe anything is close."
Dhaliwal added that Pettersson has not requested a trade himself — a point that carries significant weight given the power balance in the situation. With agents Pat Brisson and JP Barry in his corner, the 27-year-old Swedish centre would have ample leverage to force movement if he wanted out. The most likely outcome, according to Dhaliwal, is that Pettersson reports to training camp with the Canucks when the 2026-27 season preparations begin in September.
LA Kings Withdraw, Seattle Steps In
The market around Pettersson has nonetheless continued to shift. The Los Angeles Kings, among the teams most prominently linked to the centre in earlier reports, have reportedly stepped away from meaningful discussions, according to Pro Football Network and other outlets. Their exit has redirected attention to the Seattle Kraken, with NHL insider David Pagnotta identifying them as a team that covets exactly the type of elite play-driving centre Pettersson represents.
Seattle's credentials as a potential trade partner are real. The Kraken carry the cap flexibility required to absorb Pettersson's $11.6 million annual hit, a contract that runs through 2031-32 as part of the eight-year, $92.8 million deal signed in 2023. Seattle also has the prospect capital and draft assets to assemble a package that could meet Vancouver's stated ambition to maximise the return on a blockbuster deal.
The Barriers That Make a Trade Difficult
But the structural obstacles have not changed. Pettersson's full no-movement clause means Vancouver cannot move him anywhere without his approval. And as Dhaliwal noted, Pettersson has not signalled any desire to leave, which makes Seattle's interest conditional on a player who has given no public or private indication that he wants out.
There is also the question of market value. After a career-high 102 points in 2022-23 — the season that justified his massive contract — Pettersson slid to just 15 goals and 51 points in 74 games last season, his worst production since his first NHL year. New Canucks GM Ryan Johnson has been described as motivated to explore a trade, but several insiders have suggested that the asking price has not aligned with what teams are willing to offer given the recent statistical decline.
What Comes Next
The Canucks have already reshaped their roster in other ways this summer, with moves involving Filip Hronek and several secondary pieces. Pettersson remains the largest unresolved question hanging over the franchise. One BC-based insider, writing on the doom-and-gloom scenario, raised the possibility that potential trade partners may simply lack the financial room to make a deal viable under the current cap structure.
Unless Pettersson agrees to waive his NMC and Vancouver finds a willing partner that matches its return expectations, the Swedish centre is on course to begin the 84-game 2026-27 season — opening September 29 — in a Canucks uniform for a ninth consecutive campaign.