Get excited Canucks fans! As the team continues their informal skates this week, a new face has shown up, star forward Elias Pettersson.
Canucks rinkside reporter Kate Pettersen shared a video on her social media that showed Elias Pettersson at the rink with the team, as well as participating in a scrimmage with those who are in Vancouver already.
It's a big season for Elias Pettersson, there's no doubt about that, and he has a lot of pressure on him to repeat his production from the 2022-23 season and help the Vancouver Canucks take that next step, potentially towards a wild card spot in the Western Conference. There's also a very good chance that come opening night, he'll have a 'C' on his chest.
Along with pressure on the ice, there's a lot of noise going on off the ice in terms of his contract status. As everyone knows, Pettersson is in the final year of his contract and is set to become a restricted free agent in July 2024. To avoid any distractions and so he can prepare for this upcoming season, Pettersson has put contract negotiations on hold.
It's going to be interesting to see how Pettersson's season goes and if he'll feel any of the outside noise when it comes to his contract status. After putting up 102 points last season, Pettersson has his sights on replicating that and reaching the 100-point plateau in back-to-back seasons.
