Sportsnet Insider Suggest Blockbuster Deal to send Elias Pettersson to the Minnesota Wild

It appears to be a matter of when, not if the Vancouver Canucks move Elias Pettersson this season, and now a shock deal has been proposed with Minnesota.

There's been many intriguing stories surrounding the NHL this season, but the biggest of all is Elias Pettersson's situation in Vancouver, with the Canucks seemingly ready to move on from the $11.5 million forward.

We've seen teams such as the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, and Calgary Flames linked to the 26-year-old, and now another team has been floated out as a possibility.

Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon has addressed the situation, and in putting together some potential trades, he noted that a deal could potentially come together involving the Minnesota Wild and pending UFA center Marco Rossi.

"Marco Rossi's name has been in trade rumors this season, just like Pettersson's. Rossi's play in the past month or so - 13 points in 12 games, though eight came during a three-game heater - will likely quiet chatter about the 23-year-old playing anywhere other than the 'State of Hockey''.

'But if GM Bill Guerin doesn't think he and the pending RFA (Rossi) are in the same universe when it comes to a second contract and there's a player of Pettersson's ilk and age out there, that could make moving a great young piece like Rossi palatable.'

As of right now, Rossi earns under $2 million a season, but with 37 points in 41 games this year, it's safe to say that whether it's Minnesota or another team handing him a new deal, it's going to be much, much richer than that.

It's unclear if Vancouver would want a player like Rossi, as they are clearly looking to push for a Stanley Cup in 2024/25, but if the team wants to desperately move Pettersson, getting back a young player whom they can hand a big extension as they come into their prime would certainly be the ideal move.