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Elias Pettersson and Kiefer Sherwood linked to Montreal in growing trade rumor
Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL
A trade rumor involving Elias Pettersson is circulating in Montreal.
A post on Twitter claims that the Montreal Canadiens have asked the Vancouver Canucks what it would cost to acquire Elias Pettersson and Kiefer Sherwood in the same transaction.
We already know that Sherwood's name has been linked to the Canadiens.
"Among the teams that I believe have inquired, Canadiens have at the very least picked up the phone to see what was going on."
- Pierre LeBrun: Re Kiefer Sherwood
- Pierre LeBrun: Re Kiefer Sherwood
Oliver Kapanen and a 2026 first-round pick are said to be part of the discussion.
On the ice, Pettersson already carries a significant amount of context. He is 27 years old, was selected fifth overall in 2017, and his 2025-26 stat line shows 33 games played, 10 goals, and 25 points, with a minus-9 rating. Over his NHL career, he has recorded 482 points in 504 games, which sets a very clear benchmark for the price to be paid.
A trade rumor involving Elias Pettersson is circulating in Montreal
"According to sources , the Canadiens have inquired about what kind of package would land BOTH Elias Pettersson AND Kiefer Sherwood from the Canucks. Kapanen and 2026 1st are in play and talks are ongoing according to the same sources."
Kapanen's name stands out because he is more than just a prospect on paper. In 41 games this season, he has collected 21 points, including 12 goals, with a plus-2 rating. At 22 years old, he is playing under a three-year entry-level contract worth $925,000 per season, and he was just named to Finland's Olympic roster.
Sherwood, meanwhile, checks a different statistical box. At 30 years old, he has played 41 games in 2025-26, recording 17 goals and 21 points despite a minus-6 rating. His NHL career totals 306 games and 119 points, and his current contract carries a $1.5 million cap hit, set to expire after the 2025-26 season.
The part that really raises eyebrows is the inclusion of a 2026 first-round pick in the same discussion. With 12 goals, Kapanen is tied for the lead among rookie goal scorers, which adds an easy-to-understand layer of value. If this rumor has any real foundation, it suggests a call being made with both hands firmly on the wheel.
One final reminder before getting carried away: Pettersson carries an $11.6 million cap hit per season, and every dollar must fit under the salary cap. Not long ago, David Ettedgui also offered an indication of what the price for Elias Pettersson could be.
"Given the return the Canucks received for Quinn Hughes, if the Habs tried to acquire Elias Pettersson, the cost would be extremely high.
The price to pay for the Canucks would look like this:"
Michael Hage
Oliver Kapanen
Adam Engstrom
A 2nd-round pick
The price to pay for the Canucks would look like this:"
Michael Hage
Oliver Kapanen
Adam Engstrom
A 2nd-round pick
In short, it's exciting, but until something concrete emerges, it remains a situation to monitor.