Boston Bruins have been eyeing promising center
Published August 25, 2023 at 7:32 PM
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Elias Pettersson, the recipient of the 2019 Calder Trophy, has now emerged as a focal point in NHL trade discussions.
The Vancouver Canucks center recently shared his thoughts with Sportsnet Insider Elliotte Friedman, indicating that he's in no hurry to ink an extension with his current team."I got one more year left over there. And I don't want to rush into anything because I still don't know myself if it's going to be a short- or long-term (contract)," Pettersson candidly told Friedman. He went on to emphasize, "It's going to be probably my biggest contract so far. So I don't want to stress anything."
With Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci bowing out, speculation abounds regarding the Boston Bruins' moves in the NHL trade market. Notably, Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames and Mark Scheifele from the Winnipeg Jets have been on the radar.
Yet, a new contender has emerged in the form of Elias Pettersson. Although all three players are entering their contract's final year, Pettersson is unique.
He's poised to be a restricted free agent, unlike the others who could hit the unrestricted market in 2024. More significantly, Pettersson will still be a youthful 25, whereas Lindholm will be 29, and Scheifele will be 31.
Signing Lindholm and Scheifele to their next contracts could potentially tie teams down to players well beyond their 30s. In contrast, locking in Pettersson brings a different dynamic.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 176 pounds, he's already showcasing prime-level play. Following a setback-laden 2020-21 season, Pettersson roared back.
He netted 32 goals and recorded 36 assists in 80 games during the 2021-22 season, building upon that with an impressive 39 goals and 63 assists in 80 games this past season.
The trade landscape for Elias Pettersson is uncertain, given his pending contract situation. Heading into the final year of a three-year, $22 million deal with a $7.3 million salary cap hit, his value could be intriguing.
For Bruins' General Manager Don Sweeney, it's a scenario worth exploring. With future visions of a formidable 1-2 punch at center, the NHL trade market presents opportunities.
And with the Bruins wielding $28.5 million in salary cap space next offseason, investing in a blossoming young superstar center might outshine acquiring centers in the latter stages of their careers.
Source: Boatonhockeynow
| POLL | ||
August 25 | 64 answers Boston Bruins have been eyeing promising center Do you think the Boston Bruins should focus their efforts on acquiring Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL trade market? | ||
| Yes | 46 | 71.9 % |
| No | 18 | 28.1 % |
| LIST OF POLL | ||
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