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Two guys named “Elias Pettersson“ are playing for Vancouver Canucks tonight

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
|
Jan 25 2025, 7:24 pm
Two guys named “Elias Pettersson“ are playing for Vancouver Canucks tonight
Bob Frid/Imagn Images

Fans not overly familiar with the Vancouver Canucks may be confused watching tonight’s game versus the Washington Capitals.

As Canucks fans know, Elias Pettersson, the 26-year-old star who has been a foundational piece of the organization for years, isn’t the only Elias Pettersson in the organization.

At the 2022 draft, the Canucks made what appears to be a good yet hilarious selection when they took defenceman Elias Pettersson 80th overall. The 20-year-old has spent his rookie season in the AHL, but will be making his NHL debut this evening.

Pettersson, who has a goal and 12 helpers in 36 games with the Abbotsford Canucks, is set to play on the second pair alongside Carson Soucy. He’ll come into the lineup in place of Mark Friedman, who played in each of the Canucks’ last two games versus the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres.

“It means a lot,” Pettersson told reporters this morning. “I’m really excited. It’s going to be fun.”

The Canucks recalled Pettersson on Wednesday following a three-game suspension handed to Tyler Myers for cross-checking Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard. They are also without Noah Juulsen, who is on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury.

There are some changes up front, as well, as Kiefer Sherwood, who left Thursday’s game due to injury, didn’t take part in today’s morning skate. Head coach Rick Tocchet didn’t give full confirmation, but it appears as though Sherwood will be replaced by Nils Hoglander.

“It’s not serious, but it’s serious enough that in five hours he might not play,” Tocchet said regarding Sherwood. He also mentioned that they have a few others who are being regarded as game-time decisions.

The Canucks did receive some good news today, as Dakota Joshua was on the ice for the first time since suffering an injury on January 3 in a game versus the Nashville Predators. The 28-year-old, who scored a career-high 18 goals in 2023-24, has been limited to just 24 games this season.

The Canucks will also be making a change in goal, as Kevin Lankinen will make his first start since January 14. He’s been out of the lineup as of late due to an illness, but was able to back up Thatcher Demko on Thursday.

Tonight is a massive game for the Canucks, who currently sit three points shy of the Calgary Flames for a wild-card spot.

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