3 reasons why Canucks may regret going through with rumored Elias Pettersson trade to Sabres 

The rumored deal involving Elias Pettersson has generated plenty of buzz around the NHL. The deal originally discussed by insider Elliotte Friedman has fans and analysts pondering about its ripple effects throughout the Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres organizations.

While the blockbuster trade could benefit both sides, there’s reason to believe the deal would not benefit the Canucks.

Here are three reasons why the Canucks may regret going through with the rumored Elias Petterson trade with the Buffalo Sabres.

3 reasons why Canucks may regret trading Elias Pettersson to Buffalo Sabres

#3. Trading Pettersson now would look bad on the Canucks

Last season, the Canucks went through a saga leading up to Pettersson’s contract extension. The saga played out in the media until Vancouver finally inked Elias Pettersson to a massive extension.

Trading Pettersson in the first year of his new deal would look bad on the Canucks. Doing so could discourage other players from signing long-term with the team. For instance, moving Pettersson now may deter Brock Boeser from staying in Vancouver.

As such, the Canucks may set a terrible precedent for future negotiations if they move on from Pettersson at this point.

#2. Sabres could take advantage of Pettersson's no-movement clause

The Canucks would need to trade Pettersson this season as his no-movement clause kicks in next year. Other teams know that. As such, the Sabres could take advantage of the situation and attempt to pry Elias Pettersson away from Vancouver for a lesser return.

The proposed return involves Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram. So, what if the Sabres suddenly flip-flop and decide they don’t want to include one or both players? Do the Canucks go through with the deal at that point?

If so, what sort of return would the Canucks get? It’s unreasonable to think that the Sabres would mortgage their future to land Pettersson. So, there’s a chance the Sabres could toss in middling prospects and a first-round pick to sweeten the deal.

In that case, the Sabres could make away like bandits, stealing away one of the best players in the league at a bargain basement cost.

#1. Canucks would be giving up on a high-end player too soon

Unless the Canucks have a truly compelling reason for dumping Pettersson, trading him would arguably be a huge mistake. While Cozens is a great player, he’s not a proven commodity like Pettersson. Cozens lacks the pedigree that a player like Pettersson has built up over the seasons.

Moreover, the Canucks are a contending team. Therefore, the return for a player like Pettersson must improve the team right away. Even considering that Cozens and Byram have a high ceiling, there’s no telling if they could contribute to the Canucks’ success in the short term.

Then, there’s always the possibility that Elias Pettersson thrives in Buffalo, becoming the player that the Canucks knew he was all along. At that point, the Canucks would have given up on a high-end player far too soon.

Do you think the Vancouver Canucks should trade Elias Pettersson to the Buffalo Sabres? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.