The Colorado Avalanche came up just short in their first-round playoff battle against the Dallas Stars, showing grit but ultimately falling short of advancing. Still only a few years removed from lifting the Stanley Cup, the Avalanche front office is determined to reload and return to serious contention.
One major challenge this offseason? Replacing star forward Mikko Rantanen, whose departure has left a significant hole in Colorado’s lineup. Rantanen’s absence was particularly painful during the postseason — especially when he delivered a standout performance against the Avalanche.
In search of a high-impact replacement, NHL writer Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report has suggested a bold move: trading for Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson.
“The Canucks seem to have lost confidence in Pettersson despite their public support of him,” Gretz wrote. “He might welcome a fresh start, and Colorado would be a great place to get that — given the style of play and the offensive talent already in place. Colorado has never shied away from bold moves, and Pettersson could be a perfect fit behind Nathan MacKinnon.”
Pettersson had a disappointing 2024–25 season, posting just 15 goals and 30 assists. With Vancouver missing the playoffs and possibly heading in a new direction, the 26-year-old Swede could be on the move.
For Colorado, Pettersson offers an intriguing opportunity — a skilled playmaker who could thrive in a new system and help form a dangerous one-two punch with MacKinnon. Meanwhile, the Canucks might welcome the chance to get value in return and retool around their remaining core.
If both teams are open to making a splash, this could be a win-win deal — and a major storyline to watch this summer.
What do you think — should the Avs go all-in on Pettersson? Drop your thoughts below.
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