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Elias Pettersson's Mysterious Slump: Here's What's Happened to the Canucks' Top Star


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Daniel Lucente
October 14, 2025  (3:26 PM)
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Vancouver Canucks' Elias Pettersson looks on during a game
Photo credit: Edit from Newsweek

Things are once again not going quite well for Canucks star Elias Pettersson, and his numbers are taking a dive in nearly every category when compared to the past.

The Vancouver Canucks won't go far this season without the likes of Elias Pettersson leading the way. With the offensive depth and fragile crop of centers the team has going on, his slow start is an ominous sign.
Pettersson entered the year under a bright spotlight. He's the Canucks' highest-paid player and came into the season determined to rebound from a disappointing campaign that saw him post just 45 points in 64 games.
And in three games, that comeback has yet to happen. Pettersson has registered just three shots on goal, one at even strength, and one assist.

Elias Pettersson Has Been Doing a Good Defensive Job, but Continues to Struggle Offensively

He's played consistently in the defensive zone, leading Canucks forwards in blocks and in the top group in hits, but the offensive spark that marked his play is again conspicuous in its absence.
"It's early in the season. We're in game three. We're not gonna get into that," Foote said.

He's not hurting the team at all, but the Canucks need him to be a game-changer. Having scored 191 points over two seasons, Pettersson should be the expected leader of the offense and not be invisible.
Top linemate Jake DeBrusk suggested the top unit must do better without directly criticizing Pettersson. With the tough five-game road trip looming large in the future, the performance of Pettersson is going to be gauged closely.
"It's three games in, but it's frustrating," DeBrusk said post-game. "I've got to be a threat out there. I feel like I haven't really been a part of anything. And that's my fault. I have to be better on that. I can't allow that to happen anymore."

Whether Foote finds some line configuration that restores his star player or just how to provide more ice time remains to be seen.
But until Pettersson regains his offensive sparkle, the Canucks' year may be the frustrating duplicate of the previous year: much effort, little productivity.
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Elias Pettersson's Mysterious Slump: Here's What's Happened to the Canucks' Top Star

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