NHL Rumors: Penguins Carrying “Some Degree of Interest” in Elias Pettersson
· Yahoo Sports
The Pittsburgh Penguins have spent the offseason exploring ways to strengthen their roster without sacrificing the young talent expected to shape the franchise’s future. At the same time, Elias Pettersson has remained one of the NHL’s most talked-about trade candidates as Vancouver weighs its long-term direction.
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These storylines naturally collided, creating fresh speculation about whether Pittsburgh could emerge as a serious landing spot. However, the latest insider update paints a much more measured picture than the rumors circulating across the league.
Rick Dhaliwal Reveals Penguins’ Interest in Elias Pettersson Amid Trade Rumors
Elias Pettersson is drawing attention from the Pittsburgh Penguins, but NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal says the conversation should not be confused with an imminent blockbuster. While Pittsburgh has shown interest in the Canucks center, the organization has no intention of paying the price suggested by recent speculation.
Speaking on Oilers Now, Dhaliwal addressed the situation directly, saying, “I do believe Pittsburgh has some degree of interest in Elias Pettersson. I am not hearing the rumour that the Canucks have asked for Ben Kindel; no way the Penguins are gonna give up such a promising young player… for a bad contract.”
His comments dismiss reports that linked 19-year-old forward Ben Kindel to a potential trade package.
The Penguins view Kindel as one of the organization’s cornerstone young players after he produced 35 points during his rookie NHL campaign. Combined with his entry-level contract, the young forward represents exactly the type of asset Pittsburgh is determined to keep as it balances competing now while preparing for the future.
Pettersson’s contract remains one of the biggest obstacles in any potential deal. The 27-year-old center is entering the third season of his eight-year, $92.8 million extension, which carries an $11.6 million annual cap hit.
Although he once established himself among the league’s elite with a 102-point campaign in 2022-23, his production has declined over the past three seasons, prompting questions about the long-term value of the contract.
Because of this financial commitment, Pittsburgh appears more interested in building a salary-based framework than sacrificing elite prospects. Reports indicate the Penguins would like Vancouver to absorb defenseman Ryan Graves’ $4.5 million cap hit, along with another contract, while taking on Pettersson’s full salary.
In exchange, Pittsburgh is reportedly seeking additional draft compensation if it assumes the entire financial burden.
Even if both front offices eventually align on trade value, Pettersson still holds the strongest card in the negotiations. His full no-movement clause took effect on July 1, 2025, and remains active through the conclusion of his contract in 2032.
Dhaliwal has also reported that Vancouver has not asked the Swedish center to waive that protection despite the growing speculation.
This clause gives Pettersson complete control over his destination and prevents the Canucks from creating a bidding war.
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Reports also suggest he prefers to remain on the West Coast, making any potential move to an Eastern Conference team like Pittsburgh significantly more difficult, even if the Penguins’ interest eventually grows beyond what Dhaliwal described as “some degree of interest.”