Jim Rutherford Gives His Blunt Thoughts on Elias Elias Pettersson Ahead of Potential Bounce Back Season
Photo credit: Bob Frid - Imagn Images
Vancouver Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford recently shared his thoughts on Elias Pettersson ahead of a potential bounce back season.
As the Vancouver Canucks get set to embark on their 56th season in the National Hockey League, the club is hoping that they're going to get a monster year from star forward Elias Pettersson.
Last season was a bit of a disappointing year from Pettersson due to inconsistent play, injuries, and that feud with now-former teammate J.T. Miller, but with all of that now in the past, he's determined to turn things around and is out for revenge.
"I haven't thought about it, but for myself it's revenge. I'm not happy with last season. I'm trying to lead by example. But I know that I can become a better leader, in that aspect. I'm trying my best, but also trying to get better." Pettersson said.
Jim Rutherford gives his thoughts on Elias Pettersson entering 2025-26 season
On Wednesday, Vancouver Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford was a guest on Canucks Central on Sportsnet 650 radio with Dan Riccio & Sat Shah where he opened up about Elias Pettersson entering what the club is hoping is a bounce back year.
Rutherford said that Elias Pettersson is in a much better place today than he was 12 months ago, which is a good sign for the Swedish forward and the team as a whole.
He went on to add that he is a lot more relaxed and is a different person mentally now after what the club says was a great summer for him from a training standpoint as the 26-year-old did everything he was asked to do in preparation for the new season.
Heading into training camp last month, Pettersson told reporters that he put on some weight, roughly 13 pounds (5 kilos) to be exact, feels good and is in a great place physically and mentally.
"Obviously, I'm not happy with how last year was. That's in the past. I just want to get back to myself and be the leader player I know I can be, and what I can do is only focus on today," Pettersson said according to Izzy Cheung of The Hockey News.
He added, "I'm happy where I'm at. Definitely feel stronger. Shot's a little harder. Just overall, feel stronger and better."
He added, "I'm happy where I'm at. Definitely feel stronger. Shot's a little harder. Just overall, feel stronger and better."
Pettersson will look to get off on the right foot start tonight as Vancouver hosts Calgary at Rogers Arena and with their opponent playing just 24 hours prior, it's the perfect opportunity for the Swedish forward to pounce and take advantage of what we can only assume is a tired Flames squad.
Source: Canucks Central
Jim Rutherford on Playoff Aspirations, the Rise of Cootes and Market Challenges
Jim Rutherford on Playoff Aspirations, the Rise of Cootes and Market Challenges
Previously on CanucksDaily
TRENDING NOW
