Elias Pettersson Is Giving the Canucks a Reason for Optimism
For all the frustration surrounding the Vancouver Canucks' start, there's a story worth watching in Elias Pettersson. Through seven games, Pettersson has two goals and six assists for eight points, and his five-game opening point streak matched the hottest start of his career. On a team that has surrendered 35 goals, he's also sitting at plus-two. Those are encouraging numbers, particularly for a player whose recent struggles have made his hefty contract a regular subject of discussion.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. Pettersson looks more confident, more comfortable, and more engaged than he has in some time. He's also playing with an edge, having recorded 26 hits through those first seven games. That puts him tied for second in the league. We shouldn't confuse a good opening stretch with a complete return to his best form, but there's something encouraging about watching a player who appears to be enjoying his hockey again.
Related: Is Paul Cotter More Valuable to the Canucks Than a 1st-Round Pick?
A Pettersson Comeback Could Change the Canucks' Outlook.
Pettersson may not be fully back to the player who reached 100 points, and questions remain about his skating. Even so, he's playing some of his best hockey in years. If he can maintain that level, it could become an important development for a Vancouver team trying to find its direction.
A productive Pettersson would give the Canucks more than points. He could provide a dependable offensive centrepiece, take some pressure off the younger players, and give the organization more flexibility as it works through its rebuild. It's far too early to call his $11.6-million cap hit a bargain, but a sustained return to form would change the conversation.
Pettersson's Progress Could Help the Canucks Rebuild.
For now, the sensible approach is to enjoy the signs of progress without getting carried away. The Canucks have plenty of problems to solve, and Pettersson can't fix their defensive issues by himself. Still, a confident, productive Pettersson would make the road ahead a little less daunting. Sometimes, even in a difficult season, one important player finding his game again can give an entire organization a reason to feel better about where it's going.