Elias Pettersson's performance early in the 2025-26 NHL season signals a resurgence in his confidence, a welcome sign for the Vancouver Canucks and their fans. After a lackluster 2024-25 season, where Pettersson appeared to be a shadow of his former self, the young forward is showing signs of reclaiming his dominant form.
Throughout much of last season, Pettersson seemed lost on the ice, with his decision-making process appearing slow and confused. The swagger and control he once exhibited were absent, leading to concerns about his health and overall well-being. Whether it was a lingering oblique injury, contract frustrations, or burnout, his 45-point season felt underwhelming for a player of his caliber.
However, the first 11 games of the 2025-26 season have offered glimpses of the Pettersson Canucks fans remember. While his current stats of three goals and eight points may not be eye-popping, his impact on the game extends beyond the scoresheet. In recent games, Pettersson has not just been participating; he has been dictating the play. A vintage one-timer on the power play against the Edmonton Oilers served as a reminder of his offensive capabilities.
Canucks assistant coach Adam Foote noted the positive changes in Pettersson's game. He highlighted Pettersson's increased compete level, attributing it to the 13 pounds of muscle he added during the offseason. Foote also observed that Pettersson is skating faster, playing more instinctively, and shooting with greater velocity and accuracy. "He seems to be having fun — he's finding his game for sure,” said Foote. "I really like the defensive part of it and how he's committed. He looks like he's getting confidence".
Pettersson's elevated level of compete and production, coupled with increased media availability, is a positive sign for the Canucks. In his last six games, he has tallied six points (3 goals, 3 assists), leads all NHL forwards in blocked shots (23), and has become more physically engaged with offensive-zone hits (15).
Pettersson himself has expressed a positive outlook, stating, "I feel good". He emphasizes his commitment to playing well at both ends of the ice, believing that "Good defense leads to good offense". This renewed confidence and commitment are crucial for the Canucks, as they rely on Pettersson to be a key contributor and a leader on the ice.
While expectations should be tempered, the early signs of Pettersson's resurgence are encouraging. As Jim Rutherford, the team's President of Hockey Operations said that the organization wants to see him be a good two-way player and believe he has done a good job on the defensive side of things early on this year. His ability to perform against top opponents, like Connor McDavid, is a testament to his potential impact.
Pettersson's improved confidence is not only beneficial for his individual performance but also for the team's overall success. His renewed swagger and playmaking ability can ignite the Canucks' offense and provide a spark that was missing last season. As he continues to build on this positive momentum, Elias Pettersson has the opportunity to re-establish himself as one of the NHL's premier talents and lead the Canucks to new heights.
