Pettersson trade not close but Canucks GM is 'trying to find solutions'

Will he stay, or will he go?

Ultimately, it’s up to Elias Pettersson. But so far, Vancouver Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson is keeping his options open.

Pettersson has not been asked to waive his no-trade clause yet, according to CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal.

“Lots of chatter but don’t believe anything is close,” Dhaliwal said.

Lots of Elias Pettersson trade talk but
As of now, he has not been asked to waive his no-move clause to go anywhere.

Lots of chatter but don’t believe anything is close.

— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) July 9, 2026

Johnson was asked about Pettersson in an interview with Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre, with the Canucks GM noting he’s “trying to find solutions” for both the player and the team.

Time will tell if the solution keeps Pettersson in Vancouver.

“I’ve wanted to make sure there’s a clear dialogue, clear honesty… while trying to find solutions that benefit the player and the hockey club at the same time,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s tone appeared to differ for Filip Hronek, who he noted is “really adamant that he wants to be a part of the solution.”

The Canucks GM went on to indicate that if they trade Pettersson, it won’t be a salary dump. They would require something of value in return. While Pettersson comes with a $11.6-million cap hit, the salary cap is rising.

Pettersson has six years left on his current contract, which contains a full no-movement clause. Prevailing wisdom is that the 27-year-old would benefit from a change of scenery, following the two worst seasons of his career.

But we’re now two weeks clear of the NHL Draft. If there’s a trade to be made, wouldn’t it have been made by now?

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