Vancouver Canucks have become more open to offers for center Elias Pettersson, according to NHL insider David Pagnotta. The club is now willing to retain part of his contract to facilitate a potential trade.
Speculation around Pettersson's future with the Canucks has intensified. Pagnotta reported that the organization is listening more actively to proposals as it plans ahead. Pettersson signed a long-term deal last year.
The Canucks previously refused to keep any of his salary in a trade. That position has shifted, with the team now prepared to retain a portion. This move could reduce the player's cap hit from 11.6 million dollars to around 8.6 million for an acquiring club.
Daniel and Henrik Sedin are assisting Pettersson in returning to his prior performance level. No trade is close, and any deal would need Pettersson's approval because of his full no-movement clause. Discussions are expected to continue through the NHL Draft and into the summer.