LATEST | Former NHL scout praises the Canucks: Another third-round draft pick turning into a home run
Prospect Elias Pettersson's play isn't going unnoticed at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.
Sweden is playing incredibly thus far, going 3-0-0-0 in their first three games while not allowing any goals in wins over Latvia, Germany and Canada.
In his most recent article on Sportsnet, former National Hockey League scout Jason Bukala was full of praise for Elias Pettersson and how he's played for Sweden in the tournament.
"The Vancouver Canucks selected defenceman Elias Pettersson in the third round (80th overall) at the 2022 draft. Todd Harvey and his staff might have a home run pick.
Pettersson is already averaging over 23 minutes of ice time per game, and he's being tasked with matching up against top lines. I've witnessed Pettersson winning his share of physical battles, skating pucks out of danger, and distributing accurately in the first two games. He also isn't putting up with any pushback or nonsense from opponents. Several times, he's been engaged behind the play, extending battles. The TV viewer isn't always privy to seeing what we are witnessing live at the rink. He's a bit of a throwback. I love his competition and presence." Bukala said.
Pettersson is already averaging over 23 minutes of ice time per game, and he's being tasked with matching up against top lines. I've witnessed Pettersson winning his share of physical battles, skating pucks out of danger, and distributing accurately in the first two games. He also isn't putting up with any pushback or nonsense from opponents. Several times, he's been engaged behind the play, extending battles. The TV viewer isn't always privy to seeing what we are witnessing live at the rink. He's a bit of a throwback. I love his competition and presence." Bukala said.
Pettersson and Team Sweden, who have essentially wrapped up the first spot in Group A, will be back in action on New Year's Eve against their arch-rivals, Team Finland.
Source: Sportsnet
| POLL | ||
Should the Canucks bring Elias Pettersson over to North America next season? | ||
| Yes | 548 | 68.2 % |
| No, keep him in Sweden for another year | 199 | 24.8 % |
| See Results | 57 | 7.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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