The Vancouver Canucks have the worst record in the NHL this season with a 18-35-7 record with 43 points. They have played 60 games this season and have just 22 games remaining in the 2025-2026 NHL regular season.
Vancouver will have some big decisions to make with the roster. The NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 6. One player who could potentially be traded is Elias Pettersson. He is 27 years old. This season, Pettersson has played in 52 games. He has scored 13 goals and has recorded 22 assists, along with a plus/minus rating of -17.
He has had a down year, but his contract is very hefty. Pettersson will have six years remaining on his eight years, $92 million deal after the 2025-2026 NHL season. There are only some teams that could potentially take on his contract. Which three teams could trade for him at the NHL trade deadline?
Detroit Red Wings Would Be Best Fit for Vancouver Canucks Elias Pettersson
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The Detroit Red Wings might be the best fit for Pettersson. Detroit has a 35-20-6 record with 76 points this season and they are in third place in the Atlantic Division. The Red Wings have Mortiz Seider and Lucas Raymond on the roster, who are both from Sweden.
It would be a good fit for him because Pettersson is also from Sweden and he would be comfortable playing with those guys. This could be the kind of move that general manager Steve Yzerman could make and help Detroit get into serious Stanley Cup title contention. The Red Wings also currently have a little bit over $13 million in cap space to make this work.
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks have a 33-24-3 record with 69 points. Anaheim is in second place in the Pacific Division. The Ducks have had a good year. Anaheim is no stranger in trading for veteran players. Pettersson could be an interesting fit for this team and make them a tough out in the playoffs.
Anaheim has the most cap space at $13,389,962 million. The Ducks would have no problem taking on his contract. Pettersson would no doubt be one of the top centerman on the roster.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets do need to add more talent on the roster. Columbus has a 31-21-8 record with 70 points. They are just three points back of the Boston Bruins for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Blue Jackets have made surprising trade deadline trades in the past.
Adding Pettersson would need to create some work. Vancouver would need to retain some salary because the Blue Jackets have a little over $9 million in cap space.