January 10, 2024 | 12:28Pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
PETTERSSON CONTRACT TALKS TO RESUME SOON?
Elias Pettersson, forward
Contract negotiations between the Vancouver Canucks and star forward Elias Pettersson’s camp have been put on hold since the off-season, as the elite centre has wanted to focus on his personal and team performance this season.
As we approach the halfway point in the season, as well as the NHL All-Star festivities to kickstart February in less than four weeks, the Canucks and Pettersson’s agents may resume discussions on a contract extension in the not-too-distant future.
During Tuesday’s edition of “NHL Tonight” on NHL Network, TFP’s David Pagnotta reported that Pettersson and his representatives at CAA, led by J.P. Barry and Pat Brisson, are expected to get the ball rolling internally and determine when the best time to continue actual negotiations with Canucks GM Patrik Allvin and his staff.
“They’re just going to start this process now. They’re going to sit down internally and see what are some of the options and when are you ready to get the ball rolling,” Pagnotta said. “I believe there will begin to be discussions with the Canucks on this later on this month to at least see where everybody is at. He likes it there; he wants to see what the long-term fit is. They definitely would love to hold on to him.”
How does William Nylander's big extension affect Elias Pettersson's contract discussions with the #Canucks?@TheFourthPeriod weighs in.@JamisonCoyle | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/PppvLhQ8Z0
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) January 10, 2024
Having registered 102 points last season, Pettersson is on pace for 106 points this season and that will certainly play a factor in negotiations.
Pagnotta noted that William Nylander’s eight-year, $92 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier this week will be “a potential comparable,” but given how Nylander is two years younger and has already hit the 100-point mark, “this is probably going to be in the $12 million range,” depending on the overall term.
Pettersson, who can become a restricted free agent July 1, has tallied 20 goals and 33 assists for 53 points in 41 games with the Pacific Division leading Canucks so far this season.