Elias Pettersson

February 2025 – Following his NHL debut, Pettersson proved that a spot on the NHL roster for the rest of the season is not far-fetched. He only has one assist, but his game has transcended more than the offensive side. He is calm under pressure in his zone and plays a stifling game, making it difficult for opponents to generate high-quality chances when he is out there. Additionally, Pettersson has shown an ability to make a good breakout pass to spark a rush. With the NHL on the Four Nations break, Pettersson was sent to Abbotsford to continue to see the ice. When Vancouver plays again, however, Pettersson should find himself back on the blue line, ready to make an impact. Nick Orr

January 2025 – Pettersson made his NHL debut against the Washington Capitals and impressed. There was an adjustment to the speed he had to navigate, but he didn’t look out of place. His familiar tenacity and disruptive play were evident, giving Vancouver some much-needed positives on the back end. Expect Pettersson in the lineup for a decent stretch of games so the organization can get a good look at him in the NHL lineup. Nick Orr

January 2025 – Pettersson’s first full season in Abbotsford has been as good as anyone could’ve hoped. He’s appeared in 34 games and registered 12 assists and 13 points. His defensive game has also translated well from his time in Sweden. He’s disruptive and has continued to use his 6-foot-3 frame to gum up attackers in the neutral and defensive zone. The biggest thing for both Pettersson and the Canucks is the evolution of his offensive game. He has seamlessly transitioned in all facets of the game to a player that could see the NHL quicker than many expected. It will be crucial to see how Pettersson finishes out the year. Nick Orr

May 2023 – Following a jam-packed draft plus-one season, Pettersson has proven himself as a promising defensive prospect within this Canucks’ farm system. Kick-starting his year in the J20 Nationell, he served as an alternate captain for Örebro HK J20, where he accumulated 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) in 14 regular season games and caught eyes in the top-tier right out the gate. He did not take long to transition full-time, spending most of his season in the SHL (43 games). His jump was well received, and he displayed confidence at both ends of the ice, ranking second among his U20 age group with a plus-6 rating and contributing seven points (1G + 6A) – suitable for third among U20 defenders. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 196 pounds, he combines size with strong defensive skills, impactful hits, and the ability to move the puck effectively. While he has officially signed his Entry-Level deal, Pettersson is likely to return to Sweden for (at least) one more year, where he is set to enjoy a higher role and suit up alongside fellow Swede and Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekerramaki. Dave Hall

July 2022 – Pettersson was drafted 80th overall by the Vancouver Canucks, likely in an attempt to fool the team’s fans. Pat Quinn

May 2022 – Pettersson had a decent season with Örebro HK in the J20 Nationell, scoring 10 goals and adding eight assists in 37 games and then exploding offensively with 10 points in six playoff games for the club. He earned 17 appearances in the SHL for the main squad, playing 6th/7th defenseman minutes and earning an assist.

Pettersson’s skating is the main foundation for his two-way game. He closes gaps well, approaches puck carriers at optimal angles, and reacts quickly to changes in direction. Offensively, he assists in transitions regularly by jumping into open lanes, carrying the puck out, and playing quick, easy passes to his forwards to push the pace. However, his mid to long-range playmaking lacks deception and flash, which could hinder his ability to connect plays to the next level. His solid shot is the cornerstone of his offensive game, as he can wrist the puck with weight and accuracy while possessing a decent one-timer. While Pettersson has a solid frame at 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, he doesn’t utilize his body as well as he could along the boards and in front of the net. This usually results from playing on larger ice, as physical contact isn’t as prominent, especially at the junior level. As Pettersson climbs up the ranks, especially once he’s in North America, he’ll be exposed to close-quarter situations much more often and have many opportunities to explore that side of his game. He projects as a second or third-pair defenseman who values both special team units. Hadi Kalakeche