{"id":423899,"date":"2026-01-23T16:58:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T16:58:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/423899\/"},"modified":"2026-01-23T16:58:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T16:58:24","slug":"nhl-trade-rumors-division-rival-interested-in-elias-pettersson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/423899\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Trade Rumors: Division Rival Interested In Elias Pettersson"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Vancouver<\/a>
The Elias Pettersson trade noise is a developing story\u00a0in Vancouver<\/a>, and it\u2019s only getting louder with the Olympic break and roster freeze approaching.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sportsnet\u2019s latest rumour roundup painted the Canucks as increasingly open for business, with insiders noting teams are still intrigued by Pettersson\u2019s ceiling even with his massive $11.6 million cap hit running through 2031-32. <\/p>\n

Why the Los Angeles Kings make sense in an Elias Pettersson trade<\/p>\n

According to The Fourth Period\u2019s David Pagnotta<\/a>, the Los Angeles Kings<\/a> are one of the fits that \u201cmake a lot of sense\u201d if Vancouver truly decides to move Pettersson.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Frank Seravalli: Re Elias Pettersson trade rumours: From the volume of calls, the interest that the Canucks have fielded…it feels like it’s trending in that direction and that he’s gaining some traction on the trade market – Frankly Hockey (1\/19)<\/p>\n

\u2014 NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) January 21, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

For L.A., Pettersson has already shown true game breaking form, including a 102 point season with 39 goals, a strong defensive game, and his contract provides cost certainty for a team that wants a legitimate centerpiece down the middle for years.<\/p>\n

Last year, he faltered a bit, recording just 15 goals and 45 points across 64 games played. This season has been more of the same, putting up 13 goals and just 29 points over 41 games played. He’s been a Selke Trophy nominee in back-to-back years.<\/p>\n

What the Vancouver Canucks would want back<\/p>\n

The catch is the price, and Pagnotta has been consistent that it would take a hefty return, with the ask framed as three quality pieces coming back, including a first round pick, a top two caliber center, and another significant asset.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Elias Pettersson is stacking up the almost highlights this season. pic.twitter.com\/N1bD89Jnnh<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Big Head Hockey Clips (@bigheadclips) January 20, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

He\u2019s also suggested the Kings likely are not eager to put core young pieces like Quinton Byfield or Brandt Clarke into a deal, which is where negotiations get complicated in a hurry.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Still, with league chatter growing that a move could happen sooner than later, the Kings\u2019 interest is one to watch closely.<\/p>\n

Photo Credit:\u00a0Bob Frid-Imagn Images<\/p>\n