Stronger and Sharper: Elias Pettersson Poised to Elevate Game After Adding Muscle

The Vancouver Canucks former star boy Elias Pettersson had a season of ups and downs last year, but after adding over 13 pounds of weight this offseason, his game may begin to adapt to a more physical and workhorse type, and after scoring and offensive regression last season, a switch up in style could be exactly what he needs.

Two years ago Pettersson was the point scoring phenom that the Canucks were extremely high on, however after a poor season last year, leaving some subpar performances on the ice, and some underwhelming statistics to go along with it, a new role could be in order for the Swede.

After the departure of JT MIller to the Rangers last season, a massive physical gap was left open on the Canucks roster, and his training and workouts this offseason have suggested that Pettersson could be poised to fill that role. Sure Pettersson is never going to be a super aggressive player, but as a player who can hit hard, cause problems, and be a nuisance, Pettersson could be the perfect man for the job.

Had his scoring touch not come back, players like Brock Boeser and Filip Chytil could take the reins as the new point producers for the Canucks, opening up the door for Pettersson to become their new freight train, a player who is a problem in front of the net, and is a workhorse who not only creates offensive danger, but makes sure Vancouver make things difficulty for other teams. Pettersson was once a sharpshooter and a nifty playmaker, but now, he could be a new and shiny power forward, an asset the Canucks desperately need at the highest level.