Patrik Allvin sheds light on Elias Pettersson's struggles during Stanley Cup Playoffs

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Cooper Godin
September 18, 2024 (12:39)

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Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin discussed Elias Pettersson's struggles late in the season and during Stanley Cup Playoffs in a recent interview.

The Vancouver Canucks enjoyed plenty of success last season, finishing atop the Pacific Division standings and reaching the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But down the stretch in the second half and in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Elias Pettersson didn't look himself and there's no doubt that was a bit concerning for fans and likely the team as well.

During the team's season-ending media availability, Pettersson attributed his slow second half and performance in the playoffs to a knee injury he said he was playing with since January.

Pettersson finished the team's run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with just one goal, along with five assists, in 13 games, which certainly wasn't good enough and the team needed more out of him.

In a recent interview with Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin was asked if he was surprised regarding Pettersson's struggles. Allvin said that he believes the contract negotiations were on Pettersson's mind and even after it was signed, he may have taken his foot off the gas, but it was certainly tough for not only him, but the majority of the roster, who haven't played playoff games in full of packed buildings. Prior to last season, the Canucks' last playoff appearance was in 2020 when they were in the bubble in Edmonton.

"I don't know if I was surprised. But, you know, the contract negotiations were hanging over him and could maybe see it was a little bit of relief after that. Maybe he took his foot off the gas a little bit. But I also think for a lot of the players, this was really their first time playing in the playoffs with 18,000 fans, and travelling, and how hard (playoff games are). It's different. I believe every single member of that core you talked about will come back and even push to another level. Same with Quinn, I think he can learn from some of the things that he dealt with during the playoffs to become a better player." Allvin said according to Iain MacIntyre.

The Canucks are confident that Elias Pettersson's struggles are now behind him and with contract negotiations in the past, he can focus on being a top-line player for the team and hopefully get back to the 100-point mark for the second time in his career.