The NHL trade rumor mill has officially hit overdrive. We aren’t just talking about depth pieces here; we’re discussing center Elias Pettersson potentially leaving the Vancouver Canucks. The primary suitor? The Utah Mammoth, a team desperately seeking an immediate splash to solidify their identity.
NHL insider Marco D’Amico suggests Utah is “lurking” for a bona fide top-line center to accelerate their competitive timeline. However, acquiring Pettersson and his massive $11.6M AAV contract requires a “scorched earth” return. If the Canucks are genuinely considering moving their franchise cornerstone to jumpstart a necessary retool following disappointing seasons, they cannot accept scraps. They need blue-chip replacements.
Below is an analysis of the blockbuster package that would force the Utah Mammoth to break their own rules to land Pettersson.
Analyzing the “Untouchable” Cost for Utah
To date, the Utah Mammoth have been protective of their deep prospect pool, reportedly declaring high-end talents like Tij Iginla and Daniil But “off the table.”
However, my perspective as an NHL analyst is that “untouchable” status disappears when a former 100-point center in his prime becomes available. Utah ownership wants to signal they are ready to compete now. While they have young talent like Logan Cooley, they lack the proven elite anchor that Pettersson provides. To get Vancouver to even pick up the phone, Utah must soften their stance on their top-tier prospects.
A trade of this magnitude isn’t about fair value; it’s about Vancouver demanding an overwhelming return to justify moving a franchise face.
The Canucks Perspective: Why This Package Works
In this proposed blockbuster scenario, the Canucks would likely demand—and receive—a package centered around Daniil But (LW), roster center Barrett Hayton, and a 2026 1st Round Pick.
Why does Vancouver do this? If management believes Pettersson’s struggles are symptomatic of a larger issue and that the current core cannot win, this is necessary surgery.
Acquiring Daniil But gives them a “unicorn” offensive prospect—a towering, skilled winger with massive upside to replace Pettersson’s long-term offensive ceiling. Barrett Hayton provides an immediate, younger roster solution up the middle, and the first-round pick is essential currency for a retool.
It is a massive gamble for Utah, betting that a change of scenery returns Pettersson to elite form. But for Vancouver, this package represents a viable path forward if they have decided the Pettersson era needs to end.
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The post The “Scorched Earth” Trade Package to Send Elias Pettersson to the Utah Mammoth appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
