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The latest round of NHL rumors suggesting that the LA Kings are in pursuit of Elias Pettersson is off the rails.
Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson has been the subject of ongoing NHL rumors. It seems that every week, a new twist emerges in the 27-year-old’s impending trade from Vancouver.
But an interesting twist has emerged. The Province’s Ben Kuzma reported that the LA Kings are looking to land the Canucks top-line center.
While the report does not suggest that anything is imminent, the fact is that the mere idea of wanting Pettersson is off the rails.
There are various issues that could make a Pettersson trade one of the wildest NHL rumors this season. To be fair, the Kings do have a legit need for a top-line center. The retirement of Anze Kopitar will leave a major hole in the team’s depth down the middle.
But is Elias Pettersson really the answer?
Make no mistake. Pettersson is a good player. He has a 100-point season under his belt. So, that’s proof he can do it. The problem is that Pettersson’s 100-point campaign seems more like an outlier. It’s likely that his career averages will hover around the 60-point mark.
That’s not enough for a player with an $11.6 million cap hit. But that’s what the Kings would be signing on for if these NHL rumors come to fruition. The Kings would be taking a massive gamble on a change of scenery, helping Pettersson return to form.
Asking Price Reportedly High for Pettersson
The biggest obstacle for a Pettersson trade to Los Angeles is the Canucks’ asking price. Prevailing NHL rumors suggest that Vancouver is looking for a similar return to the one it got for Quinn Hughes.
If that’s the case, that situation would involve a first-round pick, a young high-end center, and a third piece. That’s a steep price that the Kings may not be able to pay. One of the pieces the Canucks reportedly want is Quinton Byfield. But trading Byfield would essentially defeat the purpose of the Kings making a trade such as this one.
The point is to add depth around Byfield, not replace the former second-overall pick. The Kings would like to build around Byfield. That situation hardly makes him expendable in Los Angeles.
As for draft picks, the Kings do have some capital to work with. But it might not be enough to entice the Canucks to go ahead and proceed with the deal.
One Thing NHL Rumors Don’t Account For
There’s one other thing that NHL rumors involving Elias Pettersson don’t account for. Pettersson has a full no-trade clause. That situation means that Pettersson could shoot down any trade on the table.
That’s no bueno, especially if the Swedish forward isn’t keen on playing in Los Angeles. While there’s no indication he may be averse to California, it’s Pettersson’s right to decide. As such, this trade may not have the legs to go very far.
NHL rumors can’t seemingly shift overnight, of course. What once seemed like a far-fetched idea could quickly change. The Kevin Fiala injury at the Olympics could have a cascading effect that might push the Kings to pay whatever price the Canucks want at this point.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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