Canucks call up defenceman Elias Pettersson

Pettersson, 20, has had a solid first year on North American ice down with the Abbotsford. He’s suited up in 15 games, recording four assists with a plus-three rating – the only Abbotsford defenceman to have a positive plus-minus rating outside of the injured Mark Friedman.

CanucksArmy’s Dave Hall recently touched on the play of Pettersson on his latest hit on Canucks Conversation:

“Flawless,” Dave Hall said regarding how the defenceman has looked thus far with Abbotsford. “It’s been absolutely flawless. I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to say that D-Petey has been their best defenceman, just as a whole, throughout the year. He’s the only defenceman with a plus-minus over zero. He’s not throwing any of those highlight reels except for the big hits. He doesn’t do anything sexy other than play very sound, very smart shut-down hockey. And that’s kind of what we expected. He’s just been a solid back there. His first pass has always been good; he’s a good skater, and he’s a menace out there. Overall, I’ve been extremely impressed, and for my money, he’s been the best defenceman out there.”

Watch the full clip from Dave Hall in Canucks Conversation below:

The Canucks drafted Pettersson in the third round of the 2022 NHL entry draft with the 80th overall pick. He had a strong draft season with Orebro HK, recording one assist with a plus-four rating in 17 outings.

In his draft plus-one season, Pettersson shared his efforts between Orebro and their junior team. He suited up in 43 games with the big club, recording one goal and seven points with a plus-six rating in 43 games. But he really found his offensive game with their junior squad, scoring five goals and 15 points in 14 games, with a plus-one rating. Pettersson made his debut on North American ice last season in Abbotsford, where he recorded two assists with a plus-four rating.

Pettersson will have the opportunity to make his NHL debut on Sunday night as the Canucks take on the Nashville Predators.