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NHL Trade Rumor: Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers emerge as landing spots for $92M Vancouver Canucks' star'

Times of India Published Jul 8, 2026 Reviewed Jul 9, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors
Citation-ready fact
Elias Pettersson has six years remaining on his $92 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks, carrying a $11.6 million annual salary cap hit with a full no-movement clause.
92000000 USD · Elias Pettersson contract11600000 USD · Elias Pettersson salary cap hit6 years · Elias Pettersson contract term
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Citation-ready fact
Trading Elias Pettersson would save the Vancouver Canucks $11.6 million in annual salary cap space and $69.6 million in total cash value over the remaining six years of his contract.
11600000 USD · Vancouver Canucks salary cap savings69600000 USD · Vancouver Canucks total cash value reduction
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Citation-ready fact
The Pittsburgh Penguins have $16 million in salary cap space available, making a trade for Elias Pettersson relatively affordable for the team.
16000000 USD · Pittsburgh Penguins salary cap space
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According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Vancouver Canucks are now willing to retain up to $2–3 million of Elias Pettersson’s salary in a trade, a shift from their prior stance of retaining nothing.
about 2500000 USD · Vancouver Canucks salary retention in trade
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According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Pittsburgh Penguins may be a good landing spot for Elias Pettersson due to the presence of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
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The Vancouver Canucks have been actively looking for trade options for the team’s star center Elias Pettersson as the team rebuilds its roster. Elias Pettersson’s performance has also dropped in the last few years which has sparked some concern. Amid all the mess, it seems the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers have emerged as potential landing spots for him.CategoryDetailsPlayerElias PetterssonCurrent TeamVancouver CanucksRumored TeamsPittsburgh Penguins, Seattle Kraken, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim DucksContract Status6 Years Remaining (UFA in 2032)Salary Cap Hit$11.6 Million AAV (Full No-Movement Clause intact)Trade LikelihoodHigh (Canucks are actively committed to a total roster and culture reset)Latest Insider UpdatePittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers have emerged as potential landing spotsWhich teams are interested in Elias Pettersson?Ever since the Vancouver Canucks have started looking for trade options, a number of rival teams have been linked to Elias Pettersson.As per NHL insiders, it seems the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers could be eyeing him ahead of the new season.What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?A few hours ago, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman made an appearance on Monday’s 32 Thoughts podcast, where he said, “The ground has shifted here in a huge way,...I’ve sat there and I’ve said, where could he go that could be good for him?

I don’t know. I wonder if the Penguins, with Crosby and Malkin, might be good for him.”A couple of days ago, NHL insider David Pagnotta added, "His name has come up a lot more. And there is a belief now with a new GM in place in Vancouver that there's a little bit of an appetite to retain on that deal…Prior to that nothing, they weren't budging and weren't gonna eat any of that money.”David Pagnotta added, “It sounds like maybe a couple mil, something in that range, two to three million if the deal works…And I think that's engaged a few teams including the Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Philadelphia Flyers…”Contract details and salary cap implicationsThe Vancouver Canucks’ star player Elias Pettersson has six years left on his $92 million deal with the team.For the team, trading Elias Pettersson save up to $11.6 million in yearly cap space by removing his full contract.The team can also wipe $69.6 million in total cash value off their remaining six year payroll books.How will the trade affect the teams?For the Pittsburgh Penguins, trading for Elias Pettersson remains pretty affordable with the team’s $16 million in cap space.

The star centre could be Sidney Crosby’s successor in the team.’For the Philadelphia Flyers, trading for Elias Pettersson remains expensive even though he could be the elite top line center star power they desperately need.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.

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