An analyst made an extremely bold statement on Elias Pettersson: Canucks opponents beware

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Felip Gosselin
August 24, 2024 (8:59 PM)

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In what was deemed a ''down-year'', Elias Pettersson managed 89 points on the season, good for the league's 19th rank for scoring.

Through an injury, the Swede's scoring pace slowed down in the season's second half and during the playoffs. Otherwise, he would have snatched back-to-back 100 points last season.

Now that everyone is preparing for the various training camps and the season's opener, the NHL's analysts have started rounding up the teams and looking at their top players. Mike Jonhson from the NHL network highlighted Pettersson's last three seasons, looked at his offensive production and wasn't worried that he'd be back in his best form offensively.

The analyst went even further in his analysis and highlighted Pettersson as one of the league's best defensive centermen, comparing him to the NHL's most recent Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, Aleksander Barkov.

Elias Pettersson's advanced stats highlight his elite two-way play in the NHL. Known for his exceptional hockey IQ, Pettersson consistently excels in Corsi and Fenwick metrics, which measure puck possession and shot attempts. His Corsi For Percentage (CF%) often surpasses 50%, indicating that his team controls the puck more than half the time he's on the ice. This aligns with his Expected Goals For Percentage (xGF%), which also tends to be high, reflecting his ability to generate quality scoring chances while limiting opponents' opportunities.

Defensively, Pettersson excels in suppressing shots and scoring chances, often posting strong Relative Corsi Against metrics compared to his teammates. His defensive impact is further evidenced by his solid takeaway numbers, which outpace his giveaways, showcasing his strong puck management skills. Pettersson also regularly ranks among the top forwards in the league in terms of WAR (Wins Above Replacement) and GAR (Goals Above Replacement), indicating his overall contribution to team success far exceeds that of an average NHL player.

Overall, Pettersson's advanced stats underscore his role as a dominant playmaker and a reliable defensive forward, making him one of the most well-rounded players in the NHL. Alongside his new linemates, possibly two of Jake Debrusk, Nils Hoglander and Daniel Sprong, will Elias Pettersson go back to his 100-point scoring self?