Could trading Cole Caufield for this superstar be the answer?
The idea of Elias Pettersson joining the Montreal Canadiens in a blockbuster trade is intriguing, but it raises important questions about team needs and long-term implications for both sides.
As reported by Habs Fanatic, here's the proposal for the trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the Vancouver Canucks
To Montreal:
Elias Pettersson
2nd-round pick
To Vancouver:
Cole Caufield
Christian Dvorak
David Savard
Elias Pettersson is a 26-year-old elite two-way center who is in his prime and one of the NHL's top players.
His 102-point season in 2022-23 highlights his superstar status and adding him to Montreal's roster would provide a formidable center duo with Nick Suzuki by instantly elevating the team's competitiveness.
However, the cost is steep since Cole Caufield is a prolific scorer and a fan favorite and trading him, along with Dvorak and Savard, sacrifices Montreal's long-term depth and potential for immediate improvement.
Elias Pettersson's $11.6M cap hit through 2032 also creates financial challenges for the Canadiens they will need to manage.
The trade could reshape Vancouver's roster amidst reported tensions between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller and adding a player like Caufield offers dynamic scoring alongside Quinn Hughes, while Dvorak provides depth at center and Savard strengthens their blue line.
Potential Lineups for the Montreal Canadiens:
Laine - Suzuki - Slafkovsky
Dach - Pettersson - Demidov
While this trade would make Montreal's top six one of the league's most dangerous, Vancouver would gain valuable assets to reset their team dynamic.
Ultimately, it's an exciting scenario, but highly unlikely since Montreal would fast-track its rebuild but lose a critical young piece, while Vancouver risks losing its best player.
Should either team take the gamble and do the trade?
