Vancouver Canucks defence prospect Elias Pettersson is fresh off a strong performance at the World Junior Championships, where he played a pivotal shutdown role for Sweden to secure a Silver Medal.
He has since returned to his club team, Västerås, and appears to have brought back with him some added offensive flair.
In the weeks leading up to the tournament, the 19-year-old primarily saw third-pairing minutes. However, since his return, he has experienced an encouraging promotion, earning a spot on the top pair.
Given his lack of deployment on the power play, the role increase has not necessarily translated to higher minutes, but it’s a positive trend in his development, nonetheless.
Pettersson is widely known for his rugged shutdown game.
However, in today’s match against fellow defensive Canucks prospect Hugo Gabrielsson, he showed off another tool equipped in his belt, channelling his inner, well, Elias Pettersson–the original one.
Trailing by a goal with less than 10 minutes remaining, he received a pass from the goal line before executing a quick snapshot to the far-side top corner.
Elias Pettersson (D) has been enjoying top pair deployment since his return from the WJC. #Canucks
You've seen the rough stuff, but how about a game-tying snipe? He picks up his second goal of the season. pic.twitter.com/PiYInXRxzf
— Dave Hall (@hall1289) January 19, 2024
This marks his second goal of the season, his 11th point of the year, and his second point in three games since his return from the World Juniors.
Unfortunately, the goal wasn’t enough to stave off their opponents, as Västerviks managed to score two late-period goals to secure a 5-3 victory.
Nevertheless, Pettersson had an impressive outing, contributing a goal, three shots, and a plus-one rating in 19:42 of ice time.
Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin has indicated that the 2022 third-rounder defenceman will be joining the Abbotsford Canucks after concluding his Allsvenskan season. Despite the loss, Västerås maintains a playoff spot, currently sitting in eighth place in the standings.
The team’s final regular-season game is scheduled for March 8th, suggesting a potential timeline for Pettersson’s transition around the end of March to April, depending on how far their playoff push takes them.
In the same game, Hugo Gabrielsson notched a secondary assist, breaking a six-game pointless streak. He is currently enjoying a career year with four goals and 11 points in 32 games with Västerviks.
