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LATEST | Elias Pettersson updates on his extension status: Rutherford clarifies the Canucks standpoint
The Vancouver Canucks are rolling and continue to sit atop the Pacific Division standings, but a good chunk of the fan base is worrying about Elias Pettersson's contract situation, which is understandable.
On Friday, after the Canucks announced a contract extension for President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford, Pettersson was asked about his own situation with the team and reiterated what he's been saying for months now - that he wants to wait until the season is over before putting pen to paper."Wait until end of the year," Pettersson said.
When speaking with reporters, Rutherford was also asked about Pettersson's contract situation and he said that the organization is calm because they know he can't go anywhere, given his RFA status. Rutherford went on to say that Pettersson is extremely important to not only the Canucks organization, but the entire city of Vancouver.
"We can wait. I'll say the obvious, we keep saying it over and over: We really want him to stay," Rutherford said. "He's a very special player. He's very important to the Canucks. He's very important to the city.
He added, "He can't walk at the end of the season, and that (is) the position we've taken. We've taken that position very comfortably, so there's not anybody getting anxious here."
He added, "He can't walk at the end of the season, and that (is) the position we've taken. We've taken that position very comfortably, so there's not anybody getting anxious here."
Pettersson, 25, is having yet another incredible season and is well on his way to a second consecutive season with 100+ points, which would set himself up for history when it comes to Swedish NHL players, as none have had back-to-back seasons with 100 or more points.
In 45 games this season, the Sundsvall, Sweden native has 59 points (24 goals, 35 assists), four penalty minutes and is a plus-19.
Pettersson and the Canucks will look to win back-to-back games on Saturday as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of Sportsnet's Hockey Day in Canada coverage. Puck drop at Rogers Arena is set for 4 p.m. PT/7p.m. ET and can be seen nationally on Sportsnet.
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January 20 | 1343 answers LATEST | Elias Pettersson updates on his extension status: Rutherford clarifies the Canucks standpoint Will Elias Pettersson sign for eight years with the Canucks? | ||
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| No, it'll be in the 5-7 year range | 629 | 46.8 % |
| Unsure | 190 | 14.1 % |
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