CanucksArmy has no direct affiliation to the Vancouver Canucks, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
31 days, 31 questions: Can a reunion with Manny Malhotra bring out the best in Canucks defenceman Elias Pettersson?
Photo credit: © Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Aug 14, 2026, 11:30 EDTUpdated: Aug 14, 2026, 11:32 EDT
Welcome to a new series here at CanucksArmy, where over the month of August, we’ll ask a new question each day about the Vancouver Canucks. We’re calling it “31 days, 31 questions”. Today, on August 14th, we examine whether Manny Malhotra can bring the best out in defenceman Elias Pettersson.
Lost in the chaos of the 2025-26 Vancouver Canucks dismal season was the fact that defenceman Elias Pettersson suffered a sophomore slump. Now, let’s be clear that almost every player on the roster last season slumped to some degree. So the young blueliner was not alone by any stretch of the imagination.
But after bursting onto the NHL scene with a strong first half of the season in Abbotsford in the fall of 2024, the 2022 third-round draft pick played his way into a big league promotion far sooner than anyone had expected. And when he arrived in the NHL, he didn’t look out of place. Pettersson was composed and assertive, bringing an edge to his game that made him an instant fan favourite.
Still just 22 years old, Pettersson was by no means terrible last season. But in a disastrous defensive environment, his confidence appeared to take a hit. The young Swede carried an individual Corsi of 43.4% and the Canucks were outscored 48-31 in his 5-on-5 minutes. Never a big offensive producer – nor expected to be one – Pettersson scored three goals and added seven assists in the 70 games he played.
Perhaps dragged down by the overall struggles of the hockey club, Pettersson seemed to lack the same snarl he showed in his impressive rookie season. While he led the defence corps in hits with 136 last season, he didn’t seem to have the same ‘in your face on almost every shift’ approach he had made a staple of his game a season earlier.
He needs to get back to that style next season and carve out his niche as a player that’s difficult for opponents to play against. Fortunately for Pettersson, Manny Malhotra is now at the helm. Of course, it was Malhotra who was Pettersson’s first coach in North America. It was Malhotra who helped Pettersson make the jump to the next level. And the organization has to be hoping that history repeats itself with Malhotra unlocking yet another level in Pettersson’s play.
There is a strong chance that Pettersson will lineup with veteran Luke Schenn on a hard-scrabble third pair for the Canucks next season. And there is a lot in Schenn’s game that Pettersson should emulate – playing within himself, finishing every check and not backing down when the temperature rises.
Manny Malhotra has not only seen Elias Pettersson excel in the past, but has played a role in it. The Canucks would love to see that reunion bear fruit once again.
PRESENTED BY NATION GEAR
THE OFFSEASON SOCIAL CLUB HAS ARRIVED! The new era of Nation Gear starts here. Introducing the Nation Gear x Levelwear Offseason Social Club Collection — a limited edition collection built for the fans who know the sports lifestyle doesn’t stop. Designed for golf rounds, patio hangs, weekend trips, and every plan in between, this collection blends premium performance with everyday leisure. It’s versatile enough to dress up, comfortable enough to live in, and made for wherever the offseason takes you. Because being a sports fan isn’t a season — it’s a personality. Welcome to the club. Shop the Offseason Social Club now. nationgear.ca
Breaking News
- 31 days, 31 questions: Can a reunion with Manny Malhotra bring out the best in Canucks defenceman Elias Pettersson?
- Maintaining a role in the Canucks’ top six will be the goal for Liam Öhgren in 2026-27
- Video shows Canucks offered 33rd and 41st overall picks to Ottawa at 2026 NHL Draft
- WDYTT: Who will lead the Canucks in scoring for 2026-27?
- 31 days, 31 questions: What will the Canucks’ Hometown Remix jersey look like?
Vancouver CanucksTeam Cap Summary
Cap Summary
2026-27
2027-28
Projected Cap Hit
$86,185,833
$62,923,333
Projected Cap Space
$17,814,167
$50,576,666
Current Cap Space
$17,814,167
$50,576,666
Active Players
23/23
13/23
Draft Picks
Round
'26
'27
1
2
1
2
2
2
3
1
1