VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks and star centre Elias Pettersson have agreed to an eight-year contract extension.
Terms of the deal, which kicks in next season, were not disclosed. Multiple media reports indicate the extension is worth an average annual value of US$11.6 million.
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announces that the club has agreed to terms with forward Elias Pettersson on an eight-year contract. pic.twitter.com/pFtXs2Gm3N
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 2, 2024
Petterson’s current contract has a cap hit of $7.35 million and expires after this season.
The Canucks announced Pettersson would attend a news conference later Saturday in Vancouver.
“This is a very important signing for the Vancouver Canucks,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement. “Elias is one of the top players in the National Hockey League and is a key member of our leadership group.
“We know his best days are ahead of him and with his high-end skill and desire to be the best, we look forward to seeing Elias succeed and grow.”
Selected fifth overall by the Canucks in the 2017 NHL draft, Pettersson has totalled 165 goals and 233 assists over 387 games.
Pettersson won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2018-19 after leading all first-year players in scoring with 66 points (28 goals, 38 assists).
After injuring his wrist during the 2021-22 season, Pettersson came on strong in 2022-23 with his first 100-point season, producing 39 goals and 63 assists in 80 games.
The Canucks entered play Saturday in fourth place in the NHL’s overall standings with a 38-17-7 record this season.
“The more talks I had with Jim and Patrik, the more clear both [sides] wanted this to be done”
Elias Pettersson meets with @CanucksReporter this morning to talk about his 8-year contract extension with the #Canucks. pic.twitter.com/PHxCSRvMGb
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 2, 2024
“This is a very exciting day for me and my family,” Pettersson said in a statement. “I am very happy to be continuing my career as a member of the Vancouver Canucks. I love this city and playing in front of the fans.
“We have an exciting group and believe we can do good things in the future.”
THE CANADIAN PRESS
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