'His Best Days Might Be Behind Him' – Craig Button Shuts Down Hopes Of Olympic Turnaround For Elias Pettersson

The Vancouver Canucks have found themselves in a deep hole this season. Sitting at the bottom of the standings, there has been very little for fans to feel optimistic about. The front office has already admitted that a rebuild is coming. Vancouver has been active in the trade market, signaling a clear shift in direction.

The biggest move came when they traded superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild. They also sent forward Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks, further reshaping the roster.

And the changes may not be over. Star center Elias Pettersson is being discussed as a potential trade candidate before the deadline amid his struggling season.

He has recorded 33 points, including 13 goals and 20 assists, in 46 games this season, a noticeable drop from his peak production in the last few seasons. During the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, he combined for 191 points in 162 games, establishing himself as one of the league’s elite offensive talents.

Canucks head coach Adam Foote believes the Olympics could serve as a turning point for the Swedish forward. Foote recently suggested that playing at the high pace of international competition could help Pettersson rediscover another level in his game.

“It’ll be a good marker for Petey and good experience to get to play at that pace. I think there is another pace he can play and, you know he’s aware of it. I think he knows he’s got something more to offer, I really do,” Foote said.

Craig Button Calls Elias Pettersson the “Canucks’ Jonathan Huberdeau”