NHL Analyst Shares Concerning Realization Regarding Vancouver Canucks Star Elias Pettersson

Photo credit: Bob Frid - USA TODAY Sports

There's no question that when he's at the top of his game, Elias Pettersson has a lethal shot, but over the last couple of seasons, one of his shot types has dropped significantly.

Last night when the Vancouver Canucks were in Salt Lake City to take on Utah Hockey Club, Elias Pettersson had ample opportunities to shoot the puck, but he finished the game with none, which frustrated his head coach Rick Tocchet.

NHL analyst shares concerning statistic regarding Elias Pettersson's one timer

In a post on social media on Monday, Mike Kelly of NHL Network took a look at Elias Pettersson's one timer statistics for the last three seasons and as one would expect based on his play this year, the numbers don't look great.

In 51 games this season, Elias Pettersson has taken just 30 one timer attempts, with only 12 going on net.

Flash back to two seasons ago, the Sundsvall, Sweden native had a whopping 136 one timer attempts in 80 games, with 58 making their way to the net.

"One shot type with Pettersson that dropped significantly is the one-timer. Not taking nearly as many and hitting the net on lower percentage." Kelly said on X.

It's definitely a concern seeing Elias Pettersson not attempting to one time the puck this season, or even shoot for that matter with just 93 shots-on-goal after registering 257 and 207 in 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively.

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet commented last night post-game about Elias Pettersson not shooting the puck and didn't sound happy, especially after they talked to him about what he needs to do.

"We've talked about he has to move his feet, and can't double clutch (with the puck). I think he's waiting for something. I don't know if it's a lack of confidence in his shot, but as soon as he has room, he's got to take it and . . . just got to blast it. I'd rather him just rip a puck right now. He's not moving his feet. I thought today, some shifts he was moving his feet and it looked like we had some glimpses." Tocchet said.

He added, "But six-on-five there at the end, it's the same thing, waiting. If he just takes three or four strides . . . I don't know if it's a mental block right now, all year, but he's got to move his feet."

Pettersson is currently on pace for his lowest shot total since the 2021 season when he had 63 in only 26 games and his lowest when playing more than 65 games since his rookie campaign in 2018-19 where he tallied 144.