[Blaster86]

So according to Friedman, these talks came about because the Canucks had an offer from the Canes that was in the "Hard to say no to" realm.

Canucks went to Pettersson and said "Come to the table or don't, but we aren't playing this game". They essentially called Pettersson's bluff and said "if you want out, we will move you now. If you want to stay give us an indication you want to stay."

After that Pettersson gave his agents the green light to start discussions. Things have moved rapidly from there.

Edit - rumours leaking out itay have been Necas, Pesce and a first