LATEST | Pettersson has one goal he wants to achieve in the National Hockey League

PUBLICATION

Cooper Godin
October 22, 2023 (12:17)

SHARE THIS STORY

Elias Pettersson's hot start to the 2023-24 season had many people around the National Hockey League talking. While it's still very early, he could see himself in the Hart Trophy conversation when all is said and done.

Everyone knows how competitive Elias Pettersson is, and on the ice, he may seem like a quiet person and doesn't show his emotions often, but he wants to do whatever it takes to win.

During an interview with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, which aired on Saturday's pre-game show on Hockey Night in Canada, Pettersson shared how competitive he is and that he wants to win a Stanley Cup.

Pettersson said that a huge inspiration for him wanting to win was seeing Lionel Messi and Argentina win last year's World Cup.

"I wanted him to win the World Cup," Pettersson said. "When they won, I was just crying to see what it all meant to them."

He added, "I'm an emotional person and just seeing what it means to them, and I think if that ever happens to me, it would be happy tears. To make his lifelong dream, win a World Cup for Argentina and what it meant to him � I get inspired by those things."

Another goal Pettersson has is playing for his nation, Sweden, at the Winter Olympics. He missed the chance in 2022 due to COVID-19 getting in the NHL's way but will have another shot in 2026.

"I would love a best-on-best tournament," he said. "I hope we get back."

Pettersson's drive and competitiveness are inspiring, and it's going to be interesting to see where he leads the Canucks this season as they hope to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Source: The Province