As the Rangers continue to struggle and sink to the bottom of the standings, something no one expected, the need for a foundation shaking move grows stronger. These moves rarely present themselves to teams, and when they do, fortune favors the bold. An Elias Pettersson trade, taking advantage of the turmoil in Vancouver, could be such a foundation shaker for the Rangers, if Chris Drury is so bold. The drama in Vancouver is boiling over, perhaps matching the Rangers drama.
For the Rangers, the trouble started last summer. Despite questionable moves, GM Chris Drury remains in charge, even after dealing away key players to rebuilding teams—moves that may have set the team back significantly. The decision to waive veteran Barclay Goodrow eaised eyebrows, as Goodrow was seen as a valuable presence on and off the ice. Meanwhile, former captain Jacob Trouba was sent to the Anaheim Ducks, a team still struggling without Trevor Zegras.
The fallout from these moves has been substantial. Goodrow’s departure, reportedly without prior notice to him or his teammates, caused dissatisfaction within the locker room. Trouba’s exit further compounded morale issues. Goodrow himself wasn’t informed until just 15 minutes before he was waived, leaving players and fans alike frustrated with the organization’s handling of the situation.
These setbacks haven’t mathematically eliminated the Rangers from playoff contention, but their horrid December suggests they are on the verge of a full collapse. With the playoffs slipping further out of reach, the Rangers may need to shift their focus to the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and consider embracing a rebuild. If not, then a foundation shaking move may be needed, a Matthew Tkachuk deal, if you will. Enter the Elias Pettersson trade rumors.
Turmoil in Vancouver leads to JT Miller and Elias Pettersson trade rumors
Out west, turmoil within the Vancouver Canucks has boiled over, with rumors of a rift between Pettersson and J.T. Miller now confirmed. The feud has sparked speculation about significant roster changes, with reports suggesting the Canucks are open to exploring trade options for Miller. Additionally, Canucks GM Patrik Allvin recently addressed Pettersson’s contract situation, which lacks trade protection until next season, raising the possibility of a blockbuster deal sooner rather than later.
This presents an intriguing opportunity for the Rangers, who could pursue a franchise-altering move akin to the Tkachuk trade between Calgary and Florida. An Elias Pettersson trade might be beneficial for him as a change of scenery, and the Rangers have a player who could use the same—Mika Zibanejad.
On a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman floated the idea that the Rangers may be open to moving Zibanejad. With a no-movement clause and an $8.5 million cap hit through 2030, trading him won’t be easy, but reports suggest Zibanejad might waive his NMC for the right situation. Though his production—six goals and 15 assists for 21 points in 36 games—has dipped from his peak, Zibanejad’s skill set still makes him an attractive option for teams in need of power-play help.
For an Elias Pettersson trade to materialize, the Rangers may need to retain part of Zibanejad’s salary and possibly package him with additional assets. Vancouver could use defensive reinforcements, making players like K’Andre Miller or Ryan Lindgren potential trade assets. Including a combination of picks and prospects could sweeten the pot enough to facilitate a deal. And make no mistake, an Elias Pettersson trade is one where close to everyone should be available.
An Elias Pettersson trade highlighted by Mika Zibanejad would represent a bold shake-up for both franchises. For the Rangers, it could mean resetting their culture and addressing their recent struggles. For Vancouver, it might help resolve locker room tensions and provide a fresh start for both stars.
Known for his smooth skating, pinpoint shooting and elite playmaking, Pettersson embodies the kind of dynamic talent the Rangers desperately need. On the flip side, a change of scenery could help Zibanejad rediscover the form that made him a dominant two-way force in 2021, excelling on special teams, winning faceoffs, and contributing at both ends of the ice.
Crazier things have happened. Why not now?
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