Vancouver Canucks rookie Pettersson is turning heads and here's what Tocchet said
Maybe the Vancouver Canucks should sign more players named Elias Pettersson.
The newest Elias Pettersson — also known as D-Petey, EP2, and various other nicknames — has impressed fans, coaches, and teammates with his play. Through four NHL games, the 20-year-old has picked up a point, shown a mean physical streak, and been a steady presence.
This is Pettersson’s first full season in North America, and he’s made the transition look simple. He was named to the AHL All-Star Game, although he didn’t go, as he’s up with the big team and is looking like a legitimate NHL blueliner.
Last night was perhaps the rookie’s best game yet as he was second among team defencemen in Corsi, engaged in multiple scrums, and made a diving stick check to save a goal. The Canucks have outshot opponents 30-22 with Pettersson on the ice at five-on-five so far.
“He’s awesome with the puck,” said veteran teammate Marcus Pettersson. “He can protect it, and he’s very good defensively. I played with him at Worlds, and I saw it then, but to see it up close, how good he is defensively, how responsible he is, it’s really fun to see. And, like I said, he can make some plays with the puck that are out of this world.”
What a hit by Elias Pettersson , D-Petey , EPD, Junior#Canucks pic.twitter.com/dPFkK1FnWa
— SoapVox (@soapvox) February 5, 2025
“He’s a guy that wants to do everything the right way,” said Thatcher Demko. “He’s young, but his attention to detail is great. I’ve enjoyed having him around as a guy too…he’s been good. I think he’s only going to get better, and his potential is enormous.”
It can sometimes take defencemen a long time to look comfortable at the NHL level. That hasn’t been the case for Pettersson.
“Lots to like,” said coach Rick Tocchet. “He’s a bull out there. Strong, good first pass, can shoot, there’s just a lot to work with. He’s a prototypical D that you want on your team.”
Pettersson has been great, but he has yet to face the toughest situations. The Canucks coaching staff has been very careful with his deployment, ensuring he gets softer matchups. He leads all Canucks defencemen by starting 72.97% of his five-on-five shifts in the offensive zone.
“Young defencemen, you want to cocoon them a little bit,” explained Tocchet. “You want to make sure you get them in good situations…the D are the last line of defence, and when they make a mistake, the spotlight is on them.”
“We really wanted to guard him a little bit but now that he’s taken small little bites, we’ve got to give him more.”
The Canucks are still trying to figure out a suitable nickname for the young blueliner. Tyler Myers revealed that “Junior” is being trialled, but the 20-year-old doesn’t seem to like it and hopes for a change.
His teammates better decide on a nickname soon, as it doesn’t seem like Pettersson is going anywhere. He’s helped solidify the blue line, and if he can keep this up, he’ll earn himself a full-time spot in the NHL.