Boston Bruins Set Their Sights on a Rising Star

Elias Pettersson, the 2019 Calder Trophy winner, finds himself at the center of NHL trade discussions. Recently speaking to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Vancouver Canucks' center revealed he's taking his time with a contract extension decision.

"I got one more year left over there. And I don't want to rush into anything because I still don't know myself if it's going to be a short- or long-term (contract)," Pettersson honestly shared. He emphasized, "It's going to be probably my biggest contract so far. So I don't want to stress anything."

Amid Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci's departures, the Boston Bruins contemplate their NHL trade moves. While Elias Lindholm and Mark Scheifele are considerations, Elias Pettersson emerges as a new contender.

The distinction lies in Pettersson's restricted free agency status, compared to Lindholm and Scheifele's potential unrestricted market entry in 2024. Furthermore, Pettersson's youth at 25 sets him apart from Lindholm (29) and Scheifele (31).

At 6-foot-2 and 176 pounds, Pettersson boasts prime-level performance. Bouncing back from a challenging 2020-21, he achieved impressive stats in recent seasons.

He tallied 32 goals and 36 assists in 80 games during 2021-22, escalating to 39 goals and 63 assists in 80 games this season.

Pettersson's pending contract situation makes his trade landscape uncertain. Entering the final year of a three-year, $22 million deal with a $7.3 million cap hit, his value is intriguing.

Bruins' General Manager Don Sweeney has a compelling scenario to consider. With visions of a formidable center duo, the NHL trade market beckons.

Equipped with $28.5 million in salary cap space for the upcoming season, investing in a budding young superstar center might overshadow acquiring centers in their career's later stages.

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25 AOUT \| 169 ANSWERS Boston Bruins Set Their Sights on a Rising Star Do you think the Boston Bruins should focus their efforts on acquiring Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL trade market?
Yes	111	65.7 %
No	58	34.3 %
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