Foote raves about Pettersson's first day at Vancouver Canucks camp
When Elias Pettersson first touched the puck at training camp, he skated down the ice and picked a corner, drawing a few “oohs” from Vancouver Canucks fans in attendance at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton.
Perhaps it’s a sign of good things to come.
The vibes are positive surrounding the 26-year-old centre, who had new head coach Adam Foote raving about him on Thursday.
“That practice he had today, I thought it was one of his best practices he had [compared to] all last year. And I told him that.
“He’s ready. He came [to town] early with [Thatcher Demko]. It’s something he never did before. It was awesome to see. He was into it. I thought he was into the practice.”
Foote praised Pettersson for his “energy,” and name-checked him as one of the leaders who “set the tone” in the first practice of the season.
“They were humming,” Foote said.
The coach’s comments are especially notable given Pettersson has continually drawn criticism from Canucks management and former head coach Rick Tocchet for poor practice habits.
It sounds like Pettersson, who bulked up this summer, has received the message.
“I said it in the exit meetings. I was going to use the extra time, with the missed playoffs, [to put in the work] and I think I did. I’m happy with where I’m at,” said Pettersson.
“I definitely feel stronger. My shot’s a little harder. Overall, I feel stronger and better.”
Pettersson’s struggles have been more than a physical issue, of course.
“I’m trying to not let things distract me,” Pettersson admitted. “Maybe it did in recent years or last year. But I’m still growing. I’m not perfect. What’s in the past is in the past. I’m just looking forward to what’s ahead.”
It never seemed like Pettersson and Tocchet saw eye to eye, but it feels different with Foote. At least, so far.
Pettersson described their relationship as “really good,” noting that he’s had one-on-one talks with Foote in the past.
“Obviously, he wants the best for me,” Pettersson said.
We’ll see if Foote has assembled the best linemates for Pettersson. The Canucks need him to bounce back in a big way, following a disappointing 45-point campaign.
He began camp centring a new top line featuring Jake DeBrusk and Brock Boeser on his wings.
“I felt like they had a little bit of chemistry today,” Foote said. “Boes is so smart. He can read off them… I felt like they had some rhythm, so we’ll try to grow on that.”