Elias Pettersson Looks Different Under Manny Malhotra

Sometimes, during a rebuilding season, you need to find something worth watching beyond the scoreboard. For Vancouver Canucks fans, Elias Pettersson is beginning to provide just that.

Pettersson is better than a point-a-game player on a struggling Canucks team.

Through 17 games, Pettersson has four goals and 18 points. That's a pretty encouraging change from last season's 51 points in 74 games. But I think there's something more interesting happening here than a player suddenly finding the scoresheet again. He looks more comfortable in his game, and that might be the most important development of all.

Could Manny Malhotra have something to do with it? I wouldn't rush to give the new coach all the credit, but his approach seems to be giving Pettersson room to play to his strengths. Malhotra emphasizes puck possession, winning battles, playing through contact and creating opportunities around the net. Those things can help a skilled player get more involved, rather than spending too much time reacting to the opposition.

Related: Canucks Elias Pettersson Is Finding His Way Back

During his best seasons, Pettersson could tilt the ice.

We've seen what Pettersson can do when he's feeling confident. He has seasons of 89 and 102 points behind him, so Vancouver fans don't need anyone to explain his offensive ability. The question is whether he can get back to playing with that same freedom and conviction.

There's a lesson here for a rebuilding team, too. Not every important development involves a prospect arriving or a young player getting more ice time. Sometimes it's about helping an established player rediscover what made him special in the first place.

Of course, 17 games don't tell us how the rest of the season will unfold. Pettersson still has to keep producing, and opponents will adjust as they get more familiar with what Malhotra is trying to build. But there's a difference between watching a player accumulate points and watching him look comfortable doing the things that made him successful.

Canucks fans have to be pleased if the old Elias Pettersson shows up for the entire season.

For Canucks fans, that's worth appreciating. The standings may not offer much encouragement right now, but seeing Pettersson find his game again gives this rebuilding season a little more purpose. And if Malhotra can keep bringing that out, Vancouver might have something important to build around.

Related: Leevi Meriläinen Could Be the Canucks' Most Important Find