The Vancouver Canucks agreed to terms with its two young stars, forward Elias Pettersson and defenseman Quinn Hughes, The Athletic and Sportsnet reported Friday.
Pettersson reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $7.35 million, and Hughes receives a six-year contract with an average annual value of $7.85 million. The deals have yet to be finalized.
Both players were restricted free agents, and did not report to Vancouver’s training camp while the long-term contracts were being negotiated.
2021-2022 NHL season important dates
The 22-year-old Pettersson was the No. 5 overall draft pick by the Canucks in 2017 and won the 2018-19 Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year. In 165 career games he’s recorded 153 points (65 goals, 88 assists).
One year after selecting Pettersson, the Canucks landed in the top 10 of the draft again and selected Hughes No. 7 overall. One of three brothers who were all high draft picks, the eldest Hughes (age 21) has appeared in 129 games and scored 97 points (11 goals, 86 assists). He finished as the Calder Trophy runner-up his rookie season.
Both Pettersson and Hughes also play on Vancouver’s power play and are seen as a foundation for the team’s future.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Canucks, check out #Canucks rumors, rankings, and news here.
The Canucks begin their regular season Oct. 13 with a visit to the Edmonton Oilers.
–Field Level Media