Morning Insights: Pettersson, Thomas, Avalanche
By Brennan McClain (https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/author/longliveyzerman) | January 24, 2026, 8:45 AM
As the Vancouver Canucks stand at a pivotal crossroads, discussions surrounding the potential trade of center Elias Pettersson (https://www.hockey-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=petteel01,petteel02&search=Elias+Pettersson&utmmedium=linker&utmsource=www.prohockeyrumors.com&utmcampaign=2026-01-24hr) have intensified. Several teams have expressed interest in acquiring the talented forward, who previously achieved an impressive 102-point season. However, as of now, there have been no noteworthy advancements in these trade talks.
Interestingly, it seems that Pettersson himself is not keen on leaving Vancouver. During an appearance on Donnie and Dhali (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buK1WGmtKpY), Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman shared, “There’s been a lot of chatter regarding Elias Pettersson lately, but I haven’t received any signals suggesting he’s inclined to waive his no-movement clause at this time.”
Should the Canucks struggle to identify a suitable trading partner whom Pettersson would be willing to consider, or if he simply prefers to remain in Vancouver, he holds the power to block any trade. His current contract includes a full no-movement clause that will be in effect until the conclusion of the 2031-32 NHL season.
Additional Morning Insights:
- In a report by Anthony Di Marco from Daily Faceoff (https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/robert-thomas-is-available-but-does-doug-armstrong-ideally-want-to-move-him), the St. Louis Blues have set an exceptionally high asking price for forward Robert Thomas (https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/thomaro01.html?utmmedium=linker&utmsource=www.prohockeyrumors.com&utmcampaign=2026-01-24hr). Despite being viewed as sellers as the trade deadline approaches, the Blues are not actively seeking to move Thomas; however, they will consider offers that are too good to pass up. Di Marco also cited an anonymous source from a team that reached out to St. Louis about Thomas, revealing that discussions fell apart swiftly due to the steep asking price.
- The Colorado Avalanche faced a minor adjustment in their forward lineup during last night’s significant defeat against the Philadelphia Flyers. Before the game commenced, Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reported (https://x.com/runwriteAarif/status/2014764906030236012?s=20) that Ross Colton (https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/coltoro01.html?utmmedium=linker&utmsource=www.prohockeyrumors.com&utmcampaign=2026-01-24hr) would be sidelined with a lower-body injury (day-to-day), leading to Joel Kiviranta (https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kivirjo01.html?utmmedium=linker&utmsource=www.prohockeyrumors.com&utmcampaign=2026-01-24hr) stepping into his position. Kiviranta had recently returned from a nearly month-long injury absence but was unable to score during his time on the ice last night.
