LATEST | Former teammate of Pettersson's makes a big statement: We're in for a treat

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Cooper Godin
September 11, 2023 (10:01)

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Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson has plenty of pressure on him heading into the 2023-24 season, especially after the year he had in 2022-23.

Pettersson scored 102 points last season and will look to replicate or surpass it this year. One of his former teammates in Sweden, Joel Persson, has big expectations for his friend in 2023-24.

"Belief in 107-108 points this year," Persson said. He has grown and takes on more and more, and a captain can look in all different ways."

While several insiders expect Quinn Hughes to be named captain before the start of the season, there's still a chance Pettersson could have the 'C' on his chest come opening night. If not, he'll be an alternate captain and play a significant role in the team's leadership group.

There is a big shadow over Pettersson going into the 2023-24 season, as he's put contract negotiations on the back burner for the time being and is set to become a restricted free agent next summer. Many expect Pettersson to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Canucks in short order, but if the team doesn't perform well this season, it could sway his decision.

Elias Pettersson and the Canucks will open the 2023-24 season in exactly one month, on October 11th, against the Edmonton Oilers.