We are back with our 2025 mid-season edition of our CanucksArmy top 20 Vancouver Canucks prospect rankings.

Now is probably a good time to set another reminder to review our rankings’ criteria (Honorable Mentions). It’s crucial to know because these rankings are missing some names that may be in other ranks. Ultimately, that bumps every player up a few spots.

If you are curious about our ranking criteria, check them out in our Honourable Mentions installment.

Number 3 is…

Team: Abbotsford Canucks | Age: 21 | Position: Defence | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 209 lbs | Shoots: Left | Drafted: Third round, 80 overall, 2022 | Last year’s rank: 4

Elias Pettersson has long been a prospect lauded for his rugged, physically assertive style of play.

We’ve often viewed him as a player who would seamlessly transition to the North American professional hockey scene based on his “meat and potatoes” brand of hockey. So far, those predictions have proven remarkably accurate.

Pettersson has not only arrived; he’s quickly become a fan favourite, embodying the type of hard-nosed, competitive spirit that Canucks Nation has been drooling over since being drafted in 2022.

Whether battling along the boards in the corners, establishing a net-front presence, or making opponents feel the wrath of his old-school hip checks, Pettersson plays with a relentless intensity that makes life difficult for his opponents.

Translation: he’s in constant “go” mode.

This tenacious, physical style has been a consistent hallmark of his game. He’s brought that same brand across various leagues, from his time in the Allsvenskan and SHL in Sweden to his transition to the AHL and now the NHL.

One of the most impressive aspects of Pettersson’s development has been his ability to adapt to new levels of competition seamlessly. While it has typically taken him a game or two to adjust to the speed of the game, Pettersson has been able to acclimate his game rather quickly — typically within a game or two.

That was true for his first few with Abbotsford and rang true in his first pair in Vancouver.

While Pettersson’s physicality is a defining characteristic, it would be a mistake to define him solely by his toughness. He is more than just a brute force on the ice. He is also a strong, fluid skater with a poised and accurate first pass out of the defensive zone — a skill that the Canucks have been actively seeking in the lower half of their defensive corps.

Thanks to that heads-up transition game, Pettersson’s contributions aren’t limited to the defensive side of the puck, either. While he may not be a prolific offensive defenceman, he chips in from time to time with offensive contributions, putting pucks on net and picking up assists.

He’s shown that with a goal and 12 assists in Abbotsford and now with an assist up in Vancouver.

The praise for Pettersson’s game has been effusive. As expected, Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has already spoken highly of his game at the NHL level.

“Lots to like,” said coach Rick Tocchet. “He’s a bull out there. Strong, good first pass, can shoot, there’s just a lot to work with. He’s a prototypical D that you want on your team.”

Even teammate and NHL veteran Marcus Pettersson has been impressed, “He’s awesome with the puck,” said veteran teammate Marcus Pettersson. “He can protect it, and he’s very good defensively. I played with him at Worlds, and I saw it then, but to see it up close, how good he is defensively, how responsible he is, it’s really fun to see. And, like I said, he can make some plays with the puck that are out of this world.”

Pettersson’s 2024-25 season began in Abbotsford, where he quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Abby Canucks’ defensive corps. His consistent play and rapid ascent through the defensive pairings earned him a spot as the team’s go-to top-pairing defenceman. He’s also become a key penalty killer, logging significant minutes in shorthanded situations.

His strong performance in the AHL ultimately paved the way for his well-deserved promotion to the NHL, where most would be happy to see him play out the remainder of his 2024-25 season.

We always thought D-Petey could become a substantial piece of this Vancouver defensive corps, and we indeed predicted a smooth transition to the American League level. But even NHL games by February caught us off guard.

Ceiling: Pettersson projects as a bottom-four NHL defenceman, known for his physicality, strong defensive play, and reliable puck-moving. He could become a valuable shutdown presence, logging significant minutes against top lines and playing a crucial role on the penalty kill.

Floor: We feel confident in Pettersson’s ability to be a full-time NHLer. But if he hits a development wall, he’s most certainly a seventh defender. His size, competitive edge and skating provide a strong foundation; at just 21, there’s still so much room for growth.

ETA: Pettersson has already debuted in the NHL, which is a testament to his development. His continued adaptation to the NHL’s speed and skill will determine his long-term role, but his progress suggests he’s well on his way to becoming a regular NHL player as soon as today. If he does return to Abbotsford, expect him to compete for a full-time role in next year’s squad.