Canucks Re-sign Pettersson and Hughes

Canucks fans, the wait is finally over.

Multiple sources are revealing that star players Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes have agreed to new contracts.  Pettersson’s new contract is for 3 years and $22.05 million. Hughes is locked up for 6 years and is being paid $47.1 million. Both players were restricted free agents and missed the beginning of training camp while negotiations were in the works. They caught the attention of many Canucks fans while training together in Michigan, where Hughes played college hockey for 2 years. Talks with each player began in April and really started heating up over the last couple of days after both sides were coming closer in agreement on both term and money.

It would’ve been nice to see Pettersson sign a longer deal to give the Canucks increased roster stability moving forward, but it is what it is and I’m glad to see it’s all over with. The bridge deal will certainly benefit him if his performance continues or even trends further upwards. Pettersson only dressed for 26 games last season due to a wrist injury, but still recorded 10 goals and 11 assists. He was the Canucks’ 5th overall pick back in the 2017 NHL Draft and has dazzled fans since winning the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year in 2019.

As for Hughes, it’s great to see the Canucks invest in him long-term. He’s the most exciting blueliner the Canucks have had since I started watching them and will be a core piece of our back end for years to come.  Hughes finished last season with 3 goals and 38 assists in 56 games. The Canucks selected him 7th overall back in 2018.

Expect the official team announcement to come later today.

With Pettersson and Hughes now taking part in team activities, the Canucks shift their attention to Hughes’ potential defense partner Travis Hamonic. Hamonic signed a new 2 year, $6 million deal this summer but is considering opting out for this season due to COVID-related concerns or even retiring due to family matters. He flew back to his native province Manitoba to discuss his possibilities and has until later today to make an official decision.

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