Allvin backs Pettersson but doesn't rule out trade: 'Anything is possible'
Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin believes Elias Pettersson is an important piece of the organization's long-term plan, but he called on his highest-paid player to improve as he endures a turbulent season.
"Petey has shown up to this point that he is an extremely talented, quality player that could and should be a No. 1 center," Allvin told Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre. "I believe in him. I believe that he's capable. (But) he needs to mature and understand that there are certain expectations, and it does not get easier. And you need to face the music when things don't go well. Is (a trade) possible? I guess I would say anything is possible."
Pettersson is in the first season of an eight-year, $92.8-million contract extension he signed in March. He has full no-trade protection beginning in 2025-26.
Pettersson faced scrutiny for an unproductive postseason this past spring, and he's notched a modest 28 points in 34 games in the current campaign.
He's also been at the center of off-ice drama lately due to a rumored rift with teammate J.T. Miller. Their rocky relationship was publicly addressed by head coach Rick Tocchet and captain Quinn Hughes as gossip spread about the two star players, who ultimately said themselves there's no issue at hand.
Allvin acknowledged the spotlight on Pettersson intensified after signing his lucrative contract.
"I think, again, it comes back to expectations and preparation, how you prepare yourself," Allvin said. "I don't believe that he was aware of just how hard it was going to be. Just because you achieve one thing to get a long-term extension ... life just gets harder. You haven't really accomplished anything. You're not even halfway there (to winning a Stanley Cup). And then, obviously, the mental part comes in there, too, and suddenly you feel the pressure."
Allvin didn't completely single out Pettersson, noting that all of the Canucks' core needs to be better to meet expectations the team set at the start of the season.
"I think it's fair to say that you expect your best players to be the difference-makers, and the best players when you need them," he said. "And, unfortunately, I think we haven't got the most out of those specific guys."
The Canucks have dealt with long-term absences to Miller, Thatcher Demko, and Brock Boeser this season. Pettersson and Hughes are currently unavailable due to injury. Vancouver currently holds the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference at 17-10-8.