Elias Pettersson is one of the highest-paid players on the Vancouver Canucks team. The Swedish forward, drafted fifth overall in 2017, has become the face of the team over the years. He signed an eight-year, $92.8 million contract that runs through the 2031–32 season, giving him an annual cap hit of $11.6 million.
Pettersson recorded 8 points (3 goals and 5 assists) in 13 games. He continues to play a significant role, averaging nearly 20 minutes per night. His two-assist game against the Nashville Predators showed that he is creating chances and helping drive the team’s offense.
Is Canucks’ Pettersson Running Out of Time To Find His Top Form?
Head coach Adam Foote praised Pettersson for his recent play and work against tough opponents.
“There’s such a hard matchup for Petey right now,” Foote said on Monday. “You saw him defend so well against McDavid’s line 5-on-5. I’m just so happy the way he’s playing. He’s playing in the mud and in the dirt. It’s not easy.”
While Foote has publicly backed his star forward, not everyone around the league sees Pettersson’s play in the same light. On the Sekeres and Price podcast, NHL insider John Shannon expressed concern over Pettersson’s performance and consistency, calling him a “disappointment” so far.
“Well, I think he has been a disappointment. I don’t think there’s any question about that,” Shannon said on Pettersson’s early-season play. “And one of the key things in a star like this is consistency. Where is the consistency in his game? And that’s something, I’m sure, that they’re asking internally as well.”
Shannon went on to explain that while Quinn Hughes’ strong play could help Pettersson, much of the responsibility still falls on the player himself.
“I do think that with Quinn Hughes returning, that helps Pettersson,” Shannon continued. “But at the same time, a lot of this is on him; what he’s done, or more importantly, what he hasn’t done.”
The veteran analyst also suggested that the Canucks’ coaching staff, including Foote, has likely been direct with Pettersson about his need to perform at a higher level.
“You have to say, ‘Hey, you know what? Pull up your socks, put your skates on, and do your job,’” Shannon said. “I don’t believe they would have soft-pedaled that to him. I believe they would have been rather direct with him. I think that’s Adam Foote’s style.”
Shannon’s comments underline a larger question around Pettersson’s game – whether he can find the consistency expected from a player of his talent and contract value. While his defensive work and compete level have been praised, his offensive production and shooting volume have dipped compared to past seasons.
Pettersson still has the skill and hockey sense to be an elite center in the league. But for him to meet the expectations that come with a $92.8 million contract, he’ll need to rediscover his scoring touch and maintain the same intensity game after game.