The Vancouver Canucks recently participated in the Young Stars Classic in Penticton and a number of the team's prospects stood out throughout the weekend including defenceman Elias Pettersson.
Pettersson came over to North America at towards the end of the 2023-24 season and appeared in nine games for the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks - eight in the regular season and one during the Calder Cup Playoffs.
One person that's been pretty impressed with Elias Pettersson and believes that he can be an NHL defenceman one day is TSN's Craig Button. Button was a guest on Donnie & Dhali yesterday and shared his thoughts on the 20-year-old blueliner.
Pettersson had a strong year back in Sweden during the 2023-24 campaign. After four games in the Swedish Hockey League with Orebro HK, it was decided that for his development's sake, to go play in the second division, HockeyAllsvenskan, where he'd get more ice time. Pettersson joined up with his hometown team, Vasteras IK, where he registered 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 34 games.
It's going to be interesting to keep an eye on Pettersson throughout training camp and in preseason games to see what role he's given. It's almost a certain that he's Abbotsford bound to start the season where he'll play a big role on their blue line in a top-four role.
POLL | ||
18 SEPTEMBRE | 173 ANSWERS Craig Button has high praise for Canucks defensive prospect Elias Pettersson Will Elias Pettersson make his NHL debut this season? | ||
Yes | 123 | 71.1 % |
No | 50 | 28.9 % |
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