Pettersson-to-Kings Rumors Are Ignoring a Few Serious Roadblocks

The Elias Pettersson trade rumors to the Los Angeles Kings have picked up steam over the past couple of weeks, but this is a trade that, if it were to take place, includes a lot of what-ifs. In fact, there are so many unknown variables in this deal that fans who think it’s anywhere close to a real thing should think twice.

Yes, Kevin Fiala going down created some urgency for Los Angeles. Furthermore, there’s an argument that a change of scenery could benefit Pettersson; he has ties to the L.A. area through his wife. But beyond that, it’s hard to connect the dots.

For the Kings to go down that road with acquiring Pettersson, everything has to line up just right. For starters, the Canucks are going to ask for Quinton Byfield. But, for him to become part of the conversation (if talks get serious), the Canucks are going to need to retain salary on Pettersson. They aren’t keen to do so. And, if not Byfield, who is coming back that moves the needle for Vancouver?

Now, maybe L.A. would be open to taking on the full cap hit. But if that’s the case, you’re probably not getting equal or true market value in return. That’s the trade-off for the Canucks when you have an inconsistent star making $11.6 million per season until 2030.

And remember, the Kings already moved one of their top young prospects, Liam Greentree, to New York in the Artemi Panarin deal. If the Kings are moving Byfield in the trade, after having already moved Greentree, GM Ken Holland is sacrificing a good chunk of the franchise’s future for two very expensive wingers. Anze Kopitar is retiring, and Alex Laferriere becomes their top center behind Pettersson. And, what if Pettersson doesn’t pan out?

Related: Kevin Fiala’s Injury Has Elias Pettersson On The Kings’ Radar

It’s a big swing for the Kings to take the full cost of Pettersson, who is signed long-term. Asking them to give up Byfield or Laferriere, so the Canucks feel they got something in return is asking a lot.

You then have to consider that you’re asking the Canucks to trade him to a division rival. If the deal goes through and becomes a good trade for Los Angeles, the Canucks will face their former star for the next six years.

Needless to say, Pettersson going to the Kings is a nice idea on paper. There is a world in which it happens. But, it’s certainly not a simple trade and both sides have a lot to lose by making it.

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