January 19, 2024 | 7:41Pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

PETTERSSON REAFFIRMS HE WILL WAIT ON NEW CONTRACT

Elias Pettersson, centre

Elias Pettersson entered the 2023-24 season in no rush to sign a contract extension. At the halfway point, he remains focused on the task and hand and reiterated to reporters on Friday that he does not plan on talking contract until the season is over.

“Wait ‘til end of the year,” Pettersson said earlier today.

Pettersson, 25, is in the final year of a three-year, $22.05 million contract and is eligible to become a restricted free agent July 1.

The Canucks and Pettersson’s camp have been in regular communication, but contract negotiations have not fully resumed and Pettersson made it clear that won’t happen until after this season comes to an end.

Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford addressed the team’s position today, as well, on Pettersson during a press conference formally announcing his three-year contract extension with the club.

“Look, we can wait,” Rutherford said. “I’ll say the obvious, we keep saying it over and over: We really want him to stay. He’s a very special player. He’s very important to the Canucks, he’s very important to the city and he can't walk at the end of the season, and that’s the position that we’ve taken. We’ve taken it very comfortably. So, there’s not anybody getting anxious here. Come the off-season, then things will get a lot more serious.”

In 45 games with the Canucks so far this season, Pettersson has registered 24 goals and 35 assists for 59 points.