They already planted those seeds. There's 2 scenarios at play here:
Option A: Vancouver does business as usual this summer and tries to show Quinn that they're serious with him as a team, make the comparison of the 2019 Devils offseason where the Devils went all in to show Taylor Hall that they wanted to sign him long term, Petterson rebounds and they're a legit good team like they were in 23-24 and he re-signs somewhat long term like his past deal while keeping the door open for the brothers to keep the playing dream on hold for a few years.
Option B: They fully implode next year, management has to save face and trade him to a contender in 2027 before his UFA and they get boat raced in a package since everyone in league circles knows he's headed to NJ.
All this is dependent on Elias Petterson the most. If you're a Devils fan, you're hoping he has a mediocre year once again and the Canucks miss the playoffs.