Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres: Trade Value Rankings Part 6
By Brad Vos
Two incredibly gifted young forwards
(10) Andrei Svechnikov – CAR (Age: 20/Cap Hit: $925K/1 Year Left)
Andrei Svechnikov dazzled in the Hurricanes’ playoff run this season. The winger had four goals and seven points Carolina’s six playoff games and offered a glimpse at his star power.
The Hurricanes drafted the Russian second overall in the 2018 draft and appear to have a superstar on their hands. After a rookie season in 2018-19, in which he put up 37 points, Svechnikov went off for 61 points in 68 games this season.
He plays responsibly in his end and finished 2019-20 with a plus-9 rating. Svechnikov has one year left on his entry-level contract and will be an absolute bargain at $925K. After the 2020-21 season, the Canes will have to pony up, and they will be happy to do so. Svechnikov is only 20 years old and is one of the most exciting young players in the game.
(9) Elias Pettersson – VAN (Age: 21/Cap Hit: $925K/1 Year Left)
Another elite young offensive talent, Elias Pettersson, adds to the embarrassment of riches for Vancouver. The Canucks drafted Pettersson fifth overall in 2017 and have exceptional talent at their disposal.
The Swede broke into the league in 2018-19 and registered 66 points in 71 games played. That was good enough to make Petterson the Calder Trophy winner as the NHL’s rookie of the year.
The centre did not let off the gas this past season, recording 66 points in 68 games, to go with a plus-16 rating. His 2020 postseason was stellar, leading the Canucks on a playoff run that saw Pettersson post 18 points in 17 games played.
His contract situation is the exact same as Svechnikov’s, as he is due $925K in 2020-21 and then becomes a restricted free agent. He will unquestionably cash in on his next deal, and the Canucks have their franchise centre for years to come.