3 Reasons the Canucks Elias Pettersson Might Re-emerge This Season

After a frustrating 2024–25 season that left many wondering what had gone wrong, the Vancouver Canucks’ Elias Pettersson seems to be finding his groove again. His numbers aren’t eye-popping yet—three goals and ten points through 14 games—but what’s changing is the way he’s playing. He’s carrying more of the Canucks’ identity, showing grit, patience, and poise.

Here are three reasons it feels like Pettersson might have re-emerged.

Reason One: Pettersson Is Carrying the Canucks’ Load When It Matters

With the Canucks dealing with injuries, Pettersson has been leaned on heavily, and he’s responding. Against Nashville, he played over 22 minutes, more than any other forward. He didn’t score a goal, but he set up two — one on the power play and another in overtime that won the game with two seconds to spare. Those are the kinds of nights when a team’s top player proves his worth. He’s doing more of the hard work now, the stuff that doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet.

Reason Two: Pettersson Is Willing to Play in the Mud

Canucks’ head coach Adam Foote said it best: “There’s such a hard matchup on Petey right now… he’s playing in the mud.” That’s high praise from a former defenseman who made a career out of grinding through tough matchups. Pettersson isn’t floating on the perimeter anymore. He’s blocking shots, finishing hits, and winning battles against top lines. He’s embracing the messy part of hockey — and it’s showing in his game.

Reason Three: Pettersson’s Leadership Is Starting to Show

Pettersson’s value isn’t just about points; it’s about presence. He’s been leading by example, showing that he can lift the team even when things aren’t pretty. That feed to Brock Boeser in overtime wasn’t just skill — it was trust, effort, and persistence. He’s proving he can carry more than a line; his solid play brings the Canucks’ an identity.

What’s Next for Pettersson and the Canucks?

The season’s still young, but Pettersson’s quiet comeback might just be one of Vancouver’s best stories so far. Once the team gets past the injuries affecting them right now, when you look at their lineup and the merchants, the merger of veterans and youngsters could make the future very bright for this team. And it could happen as early as this season.