Canucks legend Linden shares blunt Pettersson assessment: 'Get to the battle'
If there’s anyone that knows how to win over Vancouver Canucks fans, it’s Trevor Linden.
The franchise legend is beloved in the city and still cheered on every time he attends a Canucks game. So, as Elias Pettersson works to build that same relationship with theĀ fan baseĀ after a difficult season, Linden isĀ a good person to assess the situation.
Linden was the team president when Pettersson was drafted, so the two have a relationship. The now 55-year-old has some concerns about Pettersson’s play over the past 12 months.
“I know Elias, we drafted him, but I have to say that performance last year in the playoffs was concerning. I mean, I really found that concerning,” started Linden on Sportsnet 650’sĀ Canucks Central.
“I’ve been there many times where you’re not seeing it, you’re not feeling it, but you’ve got to get in the fight, and it just wasn’t there. Even though things aren’t clicking for you, get to the battle. Let’s be honest, that’s what playoff hockey is, it’s not pretty.”
Pettersson finished last year’s playoffs with just one goal and six points in 13 games. He was largely ineffective despite getting softer matchups and appeared visibly frustrated. Beyond the lack of points, he didn’t make much of a positive impact on the game at all.
Last year’s playoffs were one of the lowest moments in Pettersson’s slump, which started around the 2024 All-Star break and has lasted more than a full calendar year. It’s not the first time Pettersson has just disappeared for a significant stretch.
“It’s interesting. I think back to when Travis [Green] was fired and Elias, the start of that year, it honestly looked like he could not play in the American Hockey League. It was unbelievable, I’ve never seen such a talented, gifted player look so lost,” continued Linden.
“It’s just amazing to see such a talented, gifted player look so off in certain spots. It’s interesting, it’s a big year for him coming up, for sure. This was a big miss this year, you can’t have a guy like that and pay him that kind of money, not have the contribution you need.”
There are no excuses for Pettersson next season. He’s sticking around in Vancouver for some extra training, as his preparation last year was criticized by management. The Canucks need the Swedish star to find his game for the team to take the next step, especially since J.T. Miller was traded, leaving the group weak down the middle.
Pettersson needs to find ways to impact the game even when he’s not scoring. Linden’s assessment that he needs to get to the battle rings true, and hopefully, it’s something the Swedish centre takes to heart.