Rick Tocchet will have to work hard to keep Elias Pettersson in Vancouver

Things haven’t been going well for the Vancouver Canucks over the past three years.

In fact, you have to go back to 2020 to see the Canucks’ last appearance in the playoffs, despite some good players within the organization.

The departure of Bo Horvat last January, in return for Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Raty and a first-round pick, now Axel Sandin-Pellika, hurt the core, but the return is very interesting.

Still, a core of Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes is very attractive.

I have to say that I’m getting to know Pettersson more and more, and I find him absolutely dominant.

He has incredible hands, a fearsome wrist shot, not to mention his devastating catch-and-shoot, as well as the responsibility he takes in all three zones.

He’s a player many managers can only dream of.

Some teams have more to offer than the Canucks right now.

That’s one of the reasons why Rick Tocchet, the Nucks‘ new head coach, wants to prove to Pettersson that he should stay with the organization.

With only one season remaining on his contract, Pettersson is in no hurry to sign his contract extension, as he is currently enjoying a vacation in Sweden with his family.

Tocchet spoke to Sportsnet on Friday, and has a clear plan for his star forward.

“If we check all the boxes every day, if Petey sees that the organization is well run, the coaching staff is competent and he sees improvement in our players […] maybe it will be more attractive for him to sign” – Rick Tocchet

The Swede is coming off a dream season, with no fewer than 102 points, at the age of 24.

It’s enough to make general managers across the league dream.

Tocchet seems to know where he’s heading with the club.

“This team is capable of success. It’s about making everyone understand how hard it is to win. To win, you have to do a lot of things that make you uncomfortable.” – Rick Tocchet

Although Pettersson will become a restricted free agent, if he doesn’t extend his contract with the club, it’s possible that a GM who wants to add a lot of punch will attempt a hostile bid to acquire his services.

This could put Vancouver in trouble, as they are currently just under $5 million over payroll, according to CapFriendly.

Of course, we can expect an extension in the $10-12 million per year range for Pettersson, and the compensation that goes with it could be very high.

According to CapFriendly, if a hostile offer of more than $10,725,314 is received, the next four first-round picks of the interested team will have to be given away.

If that team offers a salary just below that amount, the compensation is more reasonable.

The next two first-round picks, along with a second- and third-round pick, will have to go the other way.

That’s if Pettersson accepts such an offer, which might be surprising on his part.

He could clearly hit the jackpot with a contract approaching $12 million per season.

I’m telling you, take the time to check out his highlights below. It’s well worth your time.

Highlights

– Ernie Clement’s slapshot.

THAT’S FAIR! ✅

Ernie Clement hammers a solo home run to tie the game. pic.twitter.com/hlLmhjs8QA

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 2, 2023

– It’s a great way to make a great first impression.

– These are interesting words.

– Read more

An utterly disgusting human being.
(And it’s a rare occasion when you can say this about someone in an article that also features Trump.)https://t.co/OSxJRWOaWx

– Slava Malamud 🇺🇦 (@SlavaMalamud) September 2, 2023