Big value comes at a big cost.
Forwards like Pettersson do not become available on the market very often. The last time a name like Pettersson changed hands, the ones that come to mind are the Erik Karlsson trade from San Jose to Pittsburgh, the Jack Eichel trade to Vegas from Buffalo; and the Columbus overhaul that sent Seth Jones to Chicago. The Jack Eichel trade is the most relevant, so let's use that one to guide what a Pettersson trade might look like.
In the Eichel trade, Vegas acquired the superstar center and a 2023 third-round pick in exchange for Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, a 2022 first-round pick, and a conditional 2023 third-round pick that ultimately became a second-round pick.
If we use the Eichel deal as a guideline, the Jackets would need to give up two high-end prospects (Tuch and Krebs), a first-rounder, and likely an additional asset or two (second- or third-round pick and perhaps an additional NHL-level skater).
For Columbus, a similar offer would likely look like this: Cayden Lindstrom (or Jordan Dumais, perhaps), Gavin Brindley, an NHL skater (Ivan Provorov or a similar player), the Wild's 2025 first-rounder, and the CBJ third-round pick this year.
If I were Don Waddell, would I consider this price? I think so. The asking price could be higher, but if Patrick Allvin accepts these terms, I would call him and accept the offer. Columbus lacks a left-shot, difference-making-level forward since the unfortunate passing of Johnny Hockey, and Pettersson, at just 26 years old, still fits the franchise's likely contention window when it hopefully opens in 3-5 years.
Now, what about Ohio's own J.T. Miller? I think the Erik Karlsson trade is the most relevant here. Let's take a look at those terms.
Using the logs from our friends at Puckpedia, the Erik Karlsson trade included the following: Pittsburgh acquired Karlsson, minor leaguer Dillon Hamaliuk, and a 2026 3rd-round pick in exchange for Mikael Granlund, Mike Hoffman, Jan Rutta, and a top-ten protected 2024 first-rounder that went back to San Jose.
What would a deal like this look like for the CBJ? Columbus lacks the same type of Veterans that Pittsburgh sent back to San Jose. However, I'd still imagine they'd need to send skaters back, so I came up with the following: Ivan Provorov, Justin Danforth, Dante Fabbro, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2026 third-rounder.
Would I take these terms if I were the CBJ General Manager? I'd be less enthusiastic about these. Columbus acquired a game-changing forward in the same vein as Miller this offseason in Sean Monahan, who I feel better fits the team's culture and timeline.
Bottom line: time will tell whether or not the asking price on both forwards is insurmountable, but I definitely believe the Don should at least keep his phone line open.