Pettersson’s next deal could reach over $10 million per season but the Canucks have yet to speak with him

It has been reported that “substantive” extension talks have not begun between the Vancouver Canucks and star forward Elias Pettersson, who is eligible for an extension at any point.

According to team insiders Thomas Drance and Rick Dhaliwal of The Athletic, the Canucks have yet to approach Pettersson with talks to an extension as the young forward will be the final season of his entry-level contract this upcoming season. 

While both Drance and Dhaliwal aren’t worried about the lack of significant progress on a new agreement, it is well known that Pettersson’s next contract could easily reach over $10 million per season, with the 20-year-old averaging 0.92 points per game across his first two seasons. He is set to make big money. 

And we know what general manager Jim Benning revealed earlier in November: the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the Canucks’ financial flexibility when it comes to awarding head coach Travis Green a contract extension.

What will it mean for Pettersson, especially when the Canucks also need to ink defenseman Quinn Hughes  to a new deal. Vancouver currently has $24 million in salary cap space and will need to make this work to keep both players who are the future of the franchise. 

There is no doubt that the Canucks will do everything they can to re-sign Pettersson, who won the Calder Trophy and registered 18 points in 17 games this past summer in his first postseason. The Canucks will also take their time though…