The first named will likely pocket a salary of $7.35M for the next three seasons, while Hughes has put his signature at the bottom of a six-year contract, worth $7.85M annually.
Drafted in the first round (fifth overall) by the Canucks in 2017, Pettersson missed more than half of this past season, putting up 21 points, including 10 goals, in 26 games. The 22-year-old won the Calder Trophy, awarded to the top rookie of the year, in the 2018-19 season. He has so far appeared in 165 regular season games, collecting 153 points in the process.
The elder Hughes was in his second full season in the NHL last season. Often criticized for his defensive contribution, he still had 41 points in 56 games in 2020-21 and 97 points, including 11 goals, in 129 career games. The Canucks selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2018 Entry Draft.
Considered the present and future of the organization, Hughes and Pettersson are expected to reunite with their teammates in Vancouver tomorrow. They will then be able to participate in the end of the team's training camp and arrive ready for the upcoming season.
It should be noted that with these two signings, the Canucks no longer have any space under the salary cap. However, this was the price to pay in order to be able to count on their two most talented players at the beginning of the campaign.
