Vancouver Canucks Star Elias Pettersson Playing Though an Injury? The Analytics Say Yes
After looking through and comparing Elias Pettersson's stats and analytics from last year, there is a strong possibility that the young Vancouver Canucks superstar is playing though an injury, and here is why.
If you have paid even the smallest amount of attention to the Vancouver Canucks this season, the most overwhelming narrative that is being circulated, are the issues and struggles surrounding Elias Pettersson. After singing his monster contract last March, where he is now earning $11.6 million a year, the play from him has been inconsistent, and straight up different.
This season, in 9 games, he only has 1 goal and 3 assists, which is no where near a point per game, which at his salary, should be way past that.
Why Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson could be playing through an injury
As stated above, Pettersson is obviously not himself, and looks like a completely different player on the ice, and not different as someone who is lacking confidence, but someone who can't move and skate like he normally should.
According to NHL Edge Stats for Pettersson, his skating speed and shot power are down significantly form last year.
Elias Pettersson NHL Edge Stats
The only conclusion that can be made is that he has a lower body injury that is keeping him from performing his best. Yes, he could be dealing with other issues of confidence or work ethic, but at 25-years-old, and a bonified superstar in the NHL, these analytics don't change this much, especially in the prime of your career.
If he is, the Vancouver Canucks should just let Elias Pettersson sit out, rest and recover, it will be good for his body and his mental health.
