LATEST | Worrisome information regarding Elias Pettersson's extension arises: The Canucks have lost control
It took a toll on everyone when Elias Pettersson announced before the season started that he'd be taking complete control of the narrative and withholding from any contract negotiations to focus on the upcoming season.
The superstar has been focusing hard on his game. The performances he's putting in, along with the team's results, indicate that he's very focused on his game.
PETTERSSON IN CONTROL; LEAVING THE CANUCKS BEGGING
Rutherford was on Sportsnet650 today and updated on the current situation of Elias Pettersson extension talks. While the previous updates from the Canucks' management were seemingly positive, Rutherford's comment didn't spread the same level of confidence.
Pettey took complete control of the situation when he said he'd be willing to 'wait and see' how things developed in Vancouver. Today, Rutherford revealed that almost 30 games into the season, no contract talks had occurred yet, not even a bit of groundwork.
Without a doubt, this unresolved piece of business affects the Canucks' business. Viewed to be one of the important faces and leaders of the franchises, it creates unwanted distractions around the team. Pettersson not wanting to negotiate at this point means one of two things.
First, it could mean that he wants to see the direction the Canucks are taking and try and see if he can win in Vancouver. Rutherford and Allvin have done an excellent job, and it'd be shocking if Pettey thought otherwise.
Or, Pettersson is withholding up until the Canucks can't wait any longer and throw him a desperation offer. The Canucks absolutely can't lose a player of his calibre, and Pettey and his agents are very well aware of the situation. By Rutherford's comments, they are opening him the door to 'whatever he's comfortable with' pretty much states the obvious: give us your number and term, and we'll get it done.
At only 25, Pettersson has developed into an elite centerman on top of his game. He's considered to be a top 5 centerman in the league. With 37 points through 29 games, he's on pace to put up back-to-back 100-point seasons, which is something that even Henrik Sedin couldn't do, not even in his prime.
| POLL | ||
Is Elias Pettersson good enough to ask for any number? | ||
| He deserves to be amongst the league's best paid | 316 | 36 % |
| He's worth below $12M per year | 298 | 33.9 % |
| He's worth below $10M per year | 173 | 19.7 % |
| Too expensive, trade him | 91 | 10.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
