Canucks’ Elias Pettersson Discusses His Developing Two-Way Game
Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson shared his perspective on balancing defensive duties with scoring expectations, highlighting his evolving role on both ends of the ice.
Season Overview and Challenges
Entering the 2025–26 season, Pettersson faced scrutiny after a disappointing previous year in which he scored only 45 points. Despite captain Quinn Hughes’ confidence in his rebound, the team’s start has been inconsistent, hampered by injuries and uneven performance. At 26 years old, the Swedish forward has shown bursts of his creative playmaking, though the Canucks’ 7–8–0 record reflects a squad navigating transition.
Expanded Role Amid Team Adversity
With important players like goalie Thatcher Demko sidelined, Pettersson has assumed significant responsibilities on the top line and in defensive situations. Although his scoring remains modest—three goals and 10 points in 15 games—his development as a two-way player has attracted praise from coach Adam Foote.
- He begins nearly as many shifts in the defensive zone as the offensive zone for the first time in his career.
- His 31 blocked shots demonstrate a strong commitment to team defense.
Defensive Instincts and Physical Growth
Pettersson attributes part of his defensive awareness to his childhood experience as a soccer goalie.
“I was a soccer goalie at a young age, so I still have those instincts,”
he explained to Sportnet. Additionally, the physical strength he gained during the off-season has helped him win critical puck battles, such as a play that led to Brock Boeser’s overtime winner against Nashville.
Author’s Summary
Elias Pettersson is developing into a reliable two-way player, blending defensive commitment with offensive skills despite a challenging season for the Canucks.