It’s expected when a player signs a massive contract that they live up to the expectations that come with it. In the 30 months since Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson signed his 8 year $11.6 million AAV contract, the most polite way to label the contract would be to call it a mistake. Since signing, Elias Pettersson has looked like a shadow of the elite center who once cracked the 100-point mark. But in the first four games of this season Pettersson has delivered more than just points, leaving Canuck fans saying “Is Petey back?”
To appreciate the weight of his early-season resurgence, one must look at how far his standard had fallen. Following his lucrative eight-year extension, Pettersson entered a mysterious fall off that tested even the most loyal of Canucks fans. Across the previous two seasons, his play mirrored more a weak legged Bambi slipping on ice than it did a four-time NHL All Star.
Last season felt like he hit a low, managing just 15 goals and 51 points in 74 games, paired with a grim minus-30 rating. He was tentative with the puck, passing up prime shooting lanes, and frequently falling to the ice during battles. Speculation swirled over whether nagging injuries or mental fatigue had permanently altered the once fan favourite.
We’re only four games into the new season so anything can still happen. But, Pettersson is showing signs that he is still the player he once was. He’s skating faster, shooting more often, and hitting at a rate we’ve never seen. He opened the first three games of the season with two goals and three assists as well as a league leading 16 hits. Although most fans don’t expect him to keep throwing his body so frequently, Canucks fans are hoping his offense numbers continue.
His most impressive play came late in the third game of the season against Calgary. Pettersson laid a crushing hit at centre ice on Flames defenceman Zayne Parekh, that led to a Canucks goal. The broadcast showed Pettersson on the bench with his helmet off. His face was weather-beaten, with a bruise above his eye and blood dripping from his hairy chin. For the first time in years, Pettersson had an undeniable aura.
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Four games do not make an entire 84 game season, but momentum is powerful and for Canucks fans can hopefully help maintain the production Pettersson has brought to the start of the season. If Pettersson has truly rediscovered the offensive threat he once was, the Canucks aren’t just getting back a top line center they are freeing themselves of the outside noise and distraction that has followed Pettersson since signing in March of 2024.