Could Pettersson Be Traded? "Anything Is Possible" According To Canucks GM

Recently, Patrik Allvin sat down with Iain MacIntyre of Sportsnet to discuss the current state of the Vancouver Canucks. Allvin was very direct in the interview, pointing out that he isn't happy with the team's current play and mentioned Vancouver's inconsistent play. Allvin also discussed how his top players aren't playing, saying, "If those guys would have performed to their capability, I think. . . we probably would have won a couple of more games."

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While Allvin was critical of all his best players, the interview featured some interesting comments about Elias Pettersson. It has not been a great season for the 26-year-old, as he only has 28 points through his first 34 games. His slow start is amplified as Pettersson signed an eight-year, $92.80 million contract last season and is the Canucks highest-paid player.

MacIntyre asked Allvin two questions specifically about Pettersson. While the first one, about Pettersson's struggle, did contain some intriguing quotes, it was the follow-up that got everyone's attention. When asked if trading Pettersson before his no-move clause kicks in was an option, Allvin didn't shut down the potential idea.

As for Allvin's quote from the article, it was, "We want to build a team that sets us up for long-term success. Building around the long-term deals with Miller and Petey, having Quinn and Demko locked up, Filip Hronek and Jake DeBrusk, I mean, those are big pieces. Petey has shown up to this point that he is an extremely talented, quality player that could and should be a No. 1 centre. I believe in him. I believe that he's capable. (But) he needs to mature and understand that there are certain expectations and it does not get easier. And you need to face the music when things don't go well. Is it (a trade) possible? I guess I would say anything is possible."

While this question will stand out like a sore thumb, Allvin's bluntness throughout MacIntyre's entire article shows just how frustrated management has been this season. After 35 games, the Canucks have managed just 17 wins and have left an additional eight points on the table thanks to overtime and shootout losses. Based on what Allvin said during this Sportnset interview, massive changes could be coming if Vancouver does not find a way to raise the quality of their game before the trade deadline.