After a slow start to the season, Elias Pettersson is heating up.

The Vancouver Canucks’ highest-paid player now has seven goals and 20 points in 22 games this season. That has him all the way up to tied for 39th in league scoring, along with other noteworthy players such as Tage Thompson and Adrian Kempe.

He’s also tied with teammate Quinn Hughes for the Canucks’ scoring lead.

Pettersson has managed to produce despite shouldering a heavy workload. The Canucks gaping hole at second-line centre has forced the team into using Pettersson in a matchup role

Still, he’s managed to get on a roll offensively in November, registering 12 points in 10 games.

That prompted the most popular hockey podcast to apologize for its criticism of him.

On the latest episode of Spittin’ Chiclets, host Ryan Whitney offered an apology for Pettersson after constant criticism of him since signing his eight-year extension back in March 2024.

New year. New Pettersson.

But will we ever see him reach the 💯 point mark again? pic.twitter.com/1BV1KyLpfj

— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) November 22, 2025

“I owe an apology, probably, to Elias Pettersson,” Whitney said.

“He’s leading the league in blocked shots for forwards,” he continued. “He’s lighting it up the past few games offensively. He’s looked really good.”

Pettersson has blocked 45 shots this season, which is the most among NHL forwards and 15th overall in the NHL. He’s the only forward in the top 50 in terms of blocked shots, and there are only four other forwards in the top 100.

“We kind of wrote him off a little bit, and never getting that 100-point Pettersson player back,” Whitney said.

“But, he’s looked awesome. So, as a podcast who’s given him a hard time, I think we should at least speak up and say it right now, it’s been impressive.”

Pettersson’s care level has been evident this season, whether it’s been because of blocks or hits.

But the offensive production and the fact that he’s shooting the puck more hint at a player who may finally be returning to form.

“I repeatedly said, there was little to no dog in him,” co-host Paul Bissonnette said. “It seemed like his life was miserable, even after signing that big ticket.”

“What his game is saying now is he can be a point-per-game player and get it done at both ends of the ice and live up to that money that he’s making.”

It was a small adjustment, but the addition of David Kämpf has helped alleviate some of Pettersson’s defensive zone responsibilities in two games since he arrived.

“I noticed a little difference,” Pettersson said on Thursday after a loss to the Dallas Stars.

“With Footy, I have all my beliefs in him and what he sees. I’m always ready whenever he calls me.”

The bounce-back for Pettersson has been a sight for the sore eyes of Canucks fans, but it will need to continue if they’re going to climb up the standings from where they currently sit at 28th overall.