Vancouver Canucks Send Elias Pettersson to AHL for Reset

The Vancouver Canucks have made the decision to send Elias Pettersson to the American Hockey League (AHL) as part of a strategy to help him reset his game. This marks the first time in nearly a year that the 21-year-old defenceman has been assigned to the AHL, with his last appearance in that league occurring on February 15, 2024.

Pettersson’s performance during the previous season garnered praise from both fans and the Canucks’ management. He demonstrated impressive defensive skills for a player of his age, showcasing good mobility and a willingness to engage physically. In the 2024-25 season, the Canucks maintained a control of 50.4 percent of expected goals while Pettersson was on the ice, indicating a solid defensive contribution.

However, this season has presented a stark contrast. The Canucks have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 3.63 goals against per 60 minutes when Pettersson is on the ice, the highest rate among all regular skaters on the team. In his last five games, the team has been outscored 5-1 at even strength while he was playing, highlighting a significant decline in performance.

Struggles with Defensive Partners

The challenges Pettersson has faced this season have been compounded by a revolving door of defensive partners. Despite experimenting with various teammates, he has struggled to find success. His statistics at five-on-five with his three most common partners reveal a concerning trend:

– With Tyler Myers, he played 101:04 minutes, achieving 35.4 percent expected goals for.
– Partnering with Filip Hronek, he spent 89:10 minutes on the ice, resulting in 31.8 percent expected goals for.
– Alongside Tom Willander, he had 55:54 minutes of ice time, with a 37.8 percent expected goals for.

These numbers suggest that he has not been able to effectively contribute to the team’s defensive efforts, prompting the Canucks to seek a reset for his game.

The decision to send Pettersson to the AHL leaves the Canucks with only six healthy defencemen on their roster, which could lead to further adjustments in the lineup. Pierre-Olivier Joseph has been in the lineup ahead of Pettersson during the last two games, averaging just 10:03 of ice time in those matchups.

Additionally, Nikita Tolopilo was also assigned to the AHL on the same day following personal circumstances, as he left the team earlier in the week after his wife went into labor.

As the Canucks aim to address their defensive shortcomings, the hope is that Pettersson can refine his skills and regain his form in the AHL, ultimately contributing to the team’s success upon his return.