Predictably, Elias Pettersson wasn’t in a good mood speaking to the media on Monday morning.
The 27-year-old Vancouver Canucks centre was benched during the third period of Saturday’s game in Seattle. He was questioned on that, as well as his name reportedly being brought up in trade talks ahead of Friday’s trade deadline.
His answers were as short as the Canucks’ success on the ice this season.
“Just trying to play my best hockey every game,” Pettersson said in response to one question.
Does he feel like he’s done that?
“No.”
What does he need to do?
“Play better.”
Well, then.
When asked about trade discussions and rumours mentioning his name, he put it back on the media.
“It’s you guys that make the trade rumours. So, ask yourself,” he said.
In fact, the latest Pettersson trade rumour was not “made up” by anyone in the room. It came from a report out of Ottawa, from Bruce Garrioch, a well-respected veteran beat writer.
“There’s always noise. I don’t read or listen to any of it. So it’s nothing new.”
Forward Elias Pettersson speaks with the media ahead of tonight’s game against Dallas.#Canucks | @theprovince pic.twitter.com/I6PCIYbQ5p
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 2, 2026
Monday is the two-year anniversary of Pettersson signing a $92.8-million contract. Things have deteriorated to a truly unbelievable level since then.
“I haven’t lived up to expectations of the contract, and I’ll be the first one to say it,” Pettersson admitted. “Obviously, I wish it would be different — play better, a lot more points — but it is what it is.”
Far and away the worst team in the NHL this season, the Canucks now have a 10-point cushion on last place. Pettersson is the team’s leading scorer, but with only 35 points. Every other team’s leading scorer has more points than him.
So, needless to say, it’s been a frustrating season for everyone involved.
“It sucks losing. We’re last in the league. It’s a terrible feeling, but I’m just trying to play good game tonight, but we’ll take it from there.”
Pettersson, to his credit, has remained committed defensively.
But offensively, he’s a shadow of his former self.
In 51 games this season, Pettersson has registered just one shot or fewer in over half (27) of them. He doesn’t have a single shot on net in each of his last two games, and six of his last 12.
Canucks head coach Adam Foote kept his critiques light when asked about the decision to bench his highest-paid player on Saturday.
“He’s got to be better,” Foote said. “He’s gotta play with more zip. Put more pace to his game. More engaged. Good things will happen when he gets his motor going.”
Pettersson said Monday that he respected the decision.
“He saw what was best for the team, to try to win the game, and I respect his decision. I need to be better.”
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