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The New York Rangers are encouraged to do everything in their power to acquire this star

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Joshua Deeds
December 24, 2024 (7:05 PM)

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If a Swede from the Vancouver Canucks is available on the trade wire, the New York Rangers should make an attempt to acquire Elias Pettersson. With GM Patrik Allvin looking at multiple scenarios to shake up the team, could we see Elias moved in March?

Pettersson recently signed an eight-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks In March, and the discussion we're having now seems incomprehensible.

The Canucks were a firebrand last season and now with dissension in the ranks, and Pettersson's regression from 1.09 PPG, to just .79, the center is on thin ice.

Patrik Allvin would address the media, regarding the topic of the former 5th overall pick in 2017.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin recently addressed the media amid Pettersson's and other star players' struggles: «I mean, we're always looking to see what's out there and available,» he said regarding potentially shaking things up, according to The Province. «I'm always interested in making this team better.»

If GM Chris Drury can work the magic, that he used to send Jacob Trouba to Anaheim, he should call on Pettersson.

Not A Traditional 1C

While Pettersson may not be a traditional option for a 1st-line center, Mika Zibanejad's recent struggles are a five-alarm fire.

Pettersson's still in his prime, despite his recent slump, and in the past three seasons has put up 1.11 PPG, just behind Penguins legend Sidney Crosby's 1.13 pace.

He could provide needed depth down the middle and give the Rangers the elite play that's been missing from the team lately.

So what would it take to pry Petterson from the Vancouver Canucks? It's not easy to put on paper since players like himself are rarely available.

Anthony Russo of The Hockey Writers gives us an example.

The deal would give the Canucks a top-four defenseman, a winger with top-six upside whose close to getting an NHL opportunity, and a veteran center who can still be effective inside the top six and a force on the power play. The salary cap should not be a problem either way - but Zibanejad's no-movement clause could impact this trade. Meanwhile, Pettersson's no-movement clause doesn't kick in until July 2025 - so the Canucks may have to decide in the coming months before losing leverage.

Maybe it's not 100 percent equal value for a player of Pettersson's caliber, but superstars rarely get traded for fair value. The last time a star center like Pettersson became available was Jack Eichel. The former Buffalo Sabre was traded in 2021 with a third-round pick for Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, a 2022 first-round pick (Noah Östlund), and a 2023 second-round pick (Riley Heidt). Tuch is a well-established top-six winger, and perhaps the Sabres may have another impact NHL player or two. But that's it - it's nowhere near the value Eichel brings to a lineup.

Here's likey what the Rangers would have to propose to make this trade work:

The Rangers would send K'Andre Miller, Zibanejad, prospect Brennan Othmann, and potentially a first-round pick to make Pettersson a Blueshirt.

While iron is hot, GM Chris Drury should strike, this could be a game-changing opportunity for the Rangers.

In 82 games last season, he scored 89 points( 34 G, 55 A) and was a part of the Canucks team who'd make it to the playoffs. But would be thrust out of contention by the Edmonton Oilers.

Previously on NY Hockey Insider

Insider reveals several trade candidates that have emerged within The New York Rangers organization

Major turn of events: Recent development revealed Rangers forwards fate after benching

Vincent Trocheck calls out the New York Rangers with his brutally honest comments on the team

POLL
DECEMBRE 24 \| 1473 ANSWERS The New York Rangers are encouraged to do everything in their power to acquire this star Should GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers trade for center Elias Petterson?
Yes	845	57.4 %
No	628	42.6 %
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The New York Rangers are encouraged to do everything in their power to acquire this star

If a Swede from the Vancouver Canucks is available on the trade wire, the New York Rangers should make an attempt to acquire Elias Pettersson. With GM Patrik Allvin looking at multiple scenarios to shake up the team, could we see Elias moved in March?

Not A Traditional 1C

Should GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers trade for center Elias Petterson?