Major update in Elias Pettersson's future with the Canucks

Swedish forward Elias Pettersson is having another highly successful campaign for the Vancouver Canucks, who are leading the Western Conference in points thanks in large part to the 20 goals and 53 points through 41 games that he's appeared in.

He's also in the final year of his contract and can become a restricted free agent at this season's end; right now, his deal sees him get paid an AAV of $7.35 million a season, and he'll be due for a considerable raise.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin stated that he's in regular contact with Pettersson's representative, and stated the obvious that they want to keep him around.

“I have conversations but nothing obviously has changed,” Allvin told Sportsnet before the Penguins game. “We want to keep Petey here. He knows that. At some point, it's going to come down to negotiations and if it's working or not.

“We have another year with him as a RFA; we're not going to lose him this summer (as a UFA). But that being said, I'm trying to plan for our team this year and next year, and I want him to be a big part of it.”

Does Pettersson want to remain in Vancouver beyond this season?

“I do believe that he wants to be a part of a good team," Allvin said. "He wants to be part of a winning team, and I do know that he has a good relationship with Toc (coach Rick Tocchet) and he really appreciates the changes and the direction the team is going.”

Of course, Pettersson isn't the only player on the Canucks roster who will be needing a new contract in the summer. He'll be joined by Filip Hronek, Tyler Myers and Ian Cole, all of whom are playing on expiring contracts.

What exactly will next season's Canucks roster look like?

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