On December 17, 2024, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet sparked a flurry of discussion among hockey fans when he proposed a hypothetical blockbuster trade between the Vancouver Canucks and the Buffalo Sabres. Speaking on the “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman pitched a trade idea that would send Elias Pettersson, the star center of the Canucks, to Buffalo in exchange for young forward Dylan Cozens and defenseman Bowen Byram. While this was merely a thought experiment, it quickly caught the attention of hockey analysts and fans alike, given the potential implications for both teams.
Elias Pettersson is currently in the first season of a massive eight-year, $92.8 million contract that he signed with Vancouver just last March. The contract raised expectations for Pettersson, who had previously been one of the Canucks’ most dynamic and consistent performers. However, his 2024–2025 season has not lived up to the hype. Through the first 30 games of the campaign, Pettersson has recorded eight goals and 18 assists, totaling 26 points. While these numbers are solid, they are not on par with either his past performances or the level expected given his new contract.
In fact, Pettersson’s current production has been a cause for concern in Vancouver. His points per 60 minutes, a key metric in evaluating offensive efficiency, has dropped to 2.8 this season, which is a noticeable decline from his 3.3 points per 60 minutes last year and 3.7 the year before. This dip in his numbers has raised questions about his performance relative to his salary, and some critics have wondered whether he is worth the massive investment the Canucks made in him. This performance dip is part of the reason why some believe Vancouver could consider moving him, though it would be a significant and bold decision.
On the other hand, the Buffalo Sabres are in an interesting position. They are hovering on the fringes of the Eastern Conference playoff race and have yet to establish themselves as a legitimate contender. This has led to speculation that Buffalo could be both buyers and sellers at the trade deadline. While the team has a core of talented young players, including Cozens and Byram, they may seek to add a more established star to bolster their playoff chances. That’s where Pettersson’s name comes into play, as the Sabres would undoubtedly love to add a player of his caliber to their lineup.
Dylan Cozens, the 22-year-old forward, is a player that has been linked to trade rumors recently. While he has shown significant promise as a dynamic offensive player, he has yet to reach his full potential, which leaves some uncertainty around his future in Buffalo. Despite this, Cozens is still viewed as a key part of the Sabres’ young core, and his inclusion in any trade proposal is a notable move. The prospect of acquiring a proven talent like Pettersson in exchange for a younger player like Cozens would be an intriguing proposition for Buffalo, who could view the deal as a way to accelerate their rebuilding process and improve their playoff hopes.
Meanwhile, Bowen Byram, the 22-year-old defenseman, is another young player with significant upside. Byram has shown flashes of potential as a top-pairing defenseman, and his inclusion in the trade adds further value to the proposal. While Byram’s potential as a top-tier defender makes him an attractive asset, his inclusion in a deal for a star like Pettersson could be viewed as an investment in both the short-term and long-term success of the team. For Buffalo, adding both Cozens and Byram could give them the depth they need to not only add a star forward but also build a stronger defensive unit.
Despite the compelling nature of this hypothetical trade, Friedman himself was quick to clarify that it was purely speculative. He acknowledged that the Canucks would likely say no to such a deal if it were ever proposed. This is largely because Pettersson is one of Vancouver’s most valuable assets, and his massive contract and the role he plays on the team would make it difficult for the Canucks to move on from him. Pettersson is central to Vancouver’s offensive game plan, and trading him would require a significant return to even begin to consider parting with him.
Additionally, Vancouver’s general manager, Patrik Allvin, has not indicated that Pettersson is available for trade. Allvin has repeatedly expressed his commitment to building a competitive team around Pettersson and other key players, which makes it unlikely that the Canucks would actively pursue a trade involving their star center. While Pettersson’s slow start to the season has certainly raised some questions, it is clear that the Canucks are still invested in his long-term development and success. It is unlikely that Vancouver would entertain any trade offers unless there was a dramatic shift in the team’s goals or circumstances.
The financial aspect of the trade also complicates things. Pettersson’s contract, which carries a cap hit of over $11 million per season, is a significant investment for the Canucks. While the Sabres have the cap space to absorb such a deal, any team taking on a contract of that size must be sure that the player will return value commensurate with the salary. Given Pettersson’s underwhelming start to the season, some might question whether his performance justifies the financial commitment he represents. This makes a trade for Pettersson even more complex, as the Canucks would want to ensure they receive a fair return for such a significant asset.
The trade speculation surrounding Pettersson is also part of a larger conversation about the direction of the Canucks’ franchise. Vancouver is a team in flux, with some parts of the roster performing well, while others struggle. The Canucks have been seeking consistency and leadership, and Pettersson, as a cornerstone player, is a key part of that equation. However, with the pressure of his contract and his inconsistent start to the season, there are murmurs about whether the Canucks need to make bold moves to become a true contender. A trade of Pettersson would be a drastic step, but it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility if Vancouver believes it could upgrade other areas of the team in the process.
For Buffalo, adding a player of Pettersson’s caliber would be a significant step toward becoming a more competitive team in the short term. Pettersson could slot into Buffalo’s top-six forward group and provide the offensive punch they have been lacking. With Cozens and Byram potentially moving the other way, the Sabres would be taking a calculated risk, but one that could pay dividends if Pettersson returns to his previous form. The question for Buffalo’s front office would be whether they believe Pettersson can rediscover his peak form or if his decline is more permanent.
In conclusion, while the proposed trade of Elias Pettersson to the Sabres for Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram is an intriguing idea, it remains speculative at best. The Canucks would likely be hesitant to part with their star player, especially given his contract and role on the team. Meanwhile, the Sabres may view Pettersson as a valuable addition to their core, but the risk of trading away two promising young players could give them pause. As it stands, the trade proposal is just a thought experiment, but it provides an interesting glimpse into the potential moves that both teams might consider as they evaluate their futures.