2025 – 26 expectations for Vancouver Canucks defensive player Elias Pettersson – Hockey Writer – Vancouver Canucks

Last season, the Vancouver Canucks called Elias Pettersson, one of their highest defensive prospects. He played in 28 games, scoring one goal and two assists, while the average ice time was 12:49. When he entered the sophomore sports, Pettersson had higher expectations as he wanted to take a big step in his development.

He must show growth

Last season, when Petterson was called, he was nervous and showed some hesitation during the game as he tried to avoid making mistakes and played mostly safely. This season, he needs to show greater confidence and maturity in his hockey handling and defensive abilities.

This season, he is not afraid to extend for a long time in the middle, which could be opened or cause a major blow in the open ice. When Pettersson was drafted in 2022, he was known for his physical performance and he had to bring that side of the game to the Canucks. If he can learn to push the puck calmly, it will help Vancouver push their offensive pace and help their transitional game.

He will also be counted on in many defensive situations. Whether it’s against top players or potentially killing penalty kicks, the Canucks will rely on Pettersson in the defensive zone. He will likely play on his third pairing in Vancouver and he needs to be willing and able to close players in the defensive area, whether it is nailing players to the board, fighting against the wall along the wall, or breaking a crucial two-on-one chance. He needs to prove that he can trust him in all circumstances.

Pettersson’s development in all these areas will lead to Vancouver winning more playoff wins.

He needs to generate more offense

Pettersson scored 13 points in 38 games last season in Abbotsford. We know he has the ability to come up with points, even if he plays a third-place role this season. The Canucks have a very balanced third- and fourth-tier forwards who can score points, including Drew O’Connor and Evander Kane. If Pettersson can bring the puck to them, he will increase his perspective.

To do this, he needs to work on the first pass in the defensive zone and be confident in his abilities. If he gets a clear breakthrough pass into the neutral zone, it will give the Garners a great chance to get into the offensive zone and get a good scoring opportunity from the haste, which has been a big part of their offense over the past few seasons.

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That said, Paterson can also make an attack from underrated shots outside of that. In a limited time last season, he created some offensive opportunities with his thriving shots, including his first NHL goal against the Anaheim Ducks. If he can improve his shot by showing his strength and accuracy in the first few weeks of the season, that will definitely lead to a scoring opportunity. Due to its success, if his shots succeed at an average strength, we can see him having a chance in the second power play unit.

Paterson has a lot of original talents. If he can continue to develop his confidence and offensive game this season, he should see more ice time and help Vancouver win more games. Paterson will be a key part of the Canucks’ future and this season should be an important step in his development.