Elias Pettersson makes fans question his desire to stay in Vancouver with latest comments
This won’t help the ongoing trade rumours and the atmosphere in the Canucks’ dressing room…
Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said last week that “anything is possible” when it comes to trades and insider Elliotte Friedman has since reported that the team is “definitely looking at the market” on both Elias Pettersson and teammate J.T. Miller. There has been so much drama in Vancouver since reports of a rift between the two star forwards, which has not only led to trade rumours, but also reports of attempted transactions and failed shots at acquiring one or the other.
When Pettersson met with media earlier this week, he was asked about the trade talks and speculations and offered this comment that got fans questioning his desire to stay in Vancouver:
“I’m aware of it, I’ve heard it,” Pettersson said, per Sportsnet. “But then it’s like, can I control it? No. So that’s where I’m at. I’m trying not to think about it. But I’m sure it will go away if I play better and if we win.”
This prompted the following question: Does he want to remain with the Canucks?
“Yeah, of course,” he said. “That’s why I signed here. Of course.”
The fact that the question had to be asked got fans wondering if Pettersson’s body language or attitude hinted at the fact that he doesn’t want to be Miller’s teammate anymore.
Pettersson, who last played on Dec,23 and is currently dealing with an upper-body injury, is not living up to the $92.8-million contract extension he signed with the Canucks last season. His no-movement clause doesn’t kick in until July 1, giving Vancouver plenty of time to ship him wherever they want without his consent. He is a game-time decision for tonight’s contest against the Washington Capitals.
However, the Canucks reportedly prefer to retain him and remain hopeful that he and Miller will resolve their differences. Miller and Pettersson might have extremely different personalities, but in the end both are seeking success for the franchise. And so they should remember that, as of now, since they are teammates, they can’t win without each other.
