NHL Insider predicts Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson could be traded potentially before the Olympics

NHL Insider Frank Seravalli predicts that Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson could be traded sooner than expected, potentially before the Olympic break. Amid escalating interest, the $2 billion-valued Carolina Hurricanes have intensified their pursuit, forcing Vancouver to seriously evaluate the offers. Just a few weeks back, it was reported that Petterson had been away from the team and had been sidelined due to an upper-body injury that he sustained. He will miss several games pertaining to his injury. During this season, Pettersson has been one of Vancouver’s top scorers, with 22 points in 28 games. Over his NHL career, he has scored nearly 480 points in almost 500 games.Speculation is doing the rounds that trade buzz around Elias Pettersson has intensified after NHL insider Frank Seravalli suggested a move could come sooner than many around the league expected. Speaking on Sportsnet 590 The Fan with Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne, Seravalli stated that the Vancouver Canucks are seriously considering trading Pettersson at some point this season, potentially even before the upcoming international break when the Olympic Games begin in February.He added, “There are some thinking maybe even potentially before the Olympics, really. Now, that feels kind of quick, but the Canucks have been in this spot where they’re ready and willing to consider anything and everything pretty much throughout the course of their organization."The Insiders are predicting that the Carolina Hurricanes, valued at $2 billion per Forbes, have turned out to be a particularly strong suitor. According to Seravalli, the Hurricanes had been among several clubs who have shown interest in Pettersson. “I think Carolina is one of a handful of teams right now that has been burning up the Canucks. I think the expression of interest, and significant interest at that, has really ratcheted up in a significant way for Vancouver, to the point that they’re having to look at this in a serious way right now,” he added. (source: Sportskeeda).Speaking about Pettersson’s background, his major breakthrough came during the 2022-23 season, recording 39 goals and 63 assists for 102 points in 80 games. He followed that up with another strong campaign the next year, producing 89 points in 82 games.On March 2, 2024, the Swedish center was rewarded with a massive eight-year extension carrying an $11.6 million annual cap hit. Pettersson is currently on an eight-year extension he signed in March 2024, carrying a total value of $92.8 million till the 2031-32 season with full no-movement protection beginning in 2025-26.