Vancouver Canucks’ Marcus Pettersson Embraces Bieksa’s Legacy

UPDATE: The Vancouver Canucks are feeling the lasting impact of former defenseman Kevin Bieksa as Marcus Pettersson prepares for his first full season with the team. Pettersson cites Bieksa as a key mentor during their time together with the Anaheim Ducks in the 2017-18 NHL season. This connection could significantly influence the Canucks’ upcoming season.

Pettersson, who joined the Canucks from the Pittsburgh Penguins in a February 2023 trade, has signed a six-year contract extension worth $5.5 million. He was a standout last season, finishing with a team-best plus-eight rating in just 31 games. The 6-foot-5, 174-pound defenseman is expected to play crucial match-up minutes against opposing stars, particularly with his impressive penalty-kill performance averaging over two minutes per game.

Bieksa, now 44, was pivotal in the Canucks’ 2011 Stanley Cup Final run and is known for his influential role within the franchise’s top defensive line-up. Currently residing in Anaheim, he remains active as a celebrated analyst on Hockey Night in Canada and is expected to visit Vancouver frequently as his son, Cole Bieksa, plays for the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express.

Pettersson expressed enthusiasm for continuing Bieksa’s legacy, stating, “I know that he had a great career here, and the fans loved him.” His experience with veterans like Bieksa and Francois Beauchemin has shaped his approach to the game as he takes on a mentorship role with younger players, including fellow Swedish rearguards Elias Pettersson and Tom Willander.

Reflecting on his formative years, Pettersson credits his father, Daniel Pettersson, a former professional player in Sweden, as his first mentor. “He never pushed me, but if I wanted to do something with hockey, he had a lot of knowledge,” Pettersson shared. His commitment to the game and family life is evident, as he appreciates Vancouver not just as a place to play, but as a perfect environment for raising his two-year-old child.

Looking ahead, Pettersson believes the Canucks are poised for success. “I think we have a good, hungry group here that’s ready to go. Our compete level is very high,” he said. The Canucks, who drafted goaltender Thatcher Demko just two picks before Pettersson was selected by Anaheim in the 2014 NHL Draft, are eager to build a strong defense and create a competitive team.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how Pettersson, influenced by Bieksa, will help shape the Canucks’ performance in a bid for playoff contention. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this blend of experience and youthful energy can lead to a successful campaign for Vancouver.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Canucks gear up for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.