Canucks legend gives his thoughts on Elias Pettersson
Photo credit: Vancoucer Is Awesome
Linden, who served as president of hockey operations when Pettersson was selected fifth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, says his concerns about the Swedish centre began during last spring's Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Former Vancouver Canucks captain Trevor Linden appeared on Canucks Central on Sportsnet 650 on Thursday and voiced his thoughts on Elias Pettersson's disappointing season.
«I've been there many times. Where you're not seeing it, you're not feeling it, but you gotta get into the fight. It just wasn't there [for Pettersson]. I mean, even though things aren't clicking for you, get to the battlelet's be honest, that's what playoff hockey is.» -Linden
Tyler Kuehl from the Canucks Army writes that Linden acknowledged that despite the coaching turnover Pettersson has experienced, from Travis Green to Bruce Boudreau to Rick Tocchet, he's still shown flashes of being a superstar.
However, with a new $11.6 million salary kicking in for the next seven years, Linden sees the 2025-26 season as potentially make-or-break for the Swedish centre.
«It's just amazing to see such a talented, gifted player look so off in certain spots, you know? So, it's interesting. It's a big year for him coming up, for sure. This was a big miss this year. You can't have a guy like that man that kind of money and not have the contribution you need.»
Kuehl also writes that in addition to Pettersson's underwhelming performance, the Canucks ended the season fifth in the Pacific Division, marking their fourth playoff miss in the past five years.
"It has led many to wonder what the future holds for Pettersson and the Canucks. Some believed he was going to be moved even after J.T. Miller was traded to the New York Rangers in January. Though general manager Patrik Allvin recognizes that Pettersson is putting in the work to come into next season better prepared, he stated during his media availability on Monday that he will keep his options open." -Kueh
Pettersson has recorded 457 points in 471 games (185 goals and 272 assists) in seven seasons with the Canucks, including a career-high 102 points in 2022-23.
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AVRIL 25 | 661 ANSWERS Canucks legend gives his thoughts on Elias Pettersson Do you think Canucks star forward Elias Pettersson can bounce back next season? | ||
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