Fake blockbuster trade involving $11.6 million player fools the media
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Austin Sabourin
Mar 3, 2026 (10:59)
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Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Vancouver superstar Elias Pettersson and head coach Adam Foote found themselves at the center of a digital firestorm Tuesday.
A fake account posing as NHL insider Elliotte Friedman sent the hockey world into a frenzy with a fabricated trade report.
The post claimed Pettersson was headed to the Detroit Red Wings in a massive deal involving several high-end prospects.
Several media outlets and fan sites fell for the hoax, spreading the news before verifying the account's lack of a blue checkmark.
Pettersson has been a constant subject of trade chatter as the Canucks endure a difficult six-game losing streak.
Over his NHL career, the Swedish center has proven to be an elite cornerstone, making the idea of a trade shock the industry.
He currently leads Vancouver with 72 points, and Foote has leaned on him for massive minutes during this late-season slide.
The Canucks are currently sitting at 82 points, desperately trying to lock down a playoff spot in a crowded Pacific Division.
Losing Pettersson would signal a total rebuild, something general manager Patrik Allvin has not officially committed to yet.
The locker room has reportedly been distracted by the noise. Internal focus has shifted toward tonight's critical matchup against the Hurricanes.
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Foote addressed the rumors briefly, emphasizing that the team needs to ignore the outside noise and execute a solid transition game.
"We have to be professionals," Foote stated. "The focus is on the ice, not on what some fake account says on the internet."
The transition game and defensive coverage have been the primary culprits during this recent Vancouver slump.
Expect Pettersson to be in the lineup tonight at Rogers Arena as the Canucks look to silence the doubters and the trolls.
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