I remember the first game I watched . He was young, confident, and pulling off moves I’d never seen before. Quick on his feet, always thinking a step or two ahead, slight but strong, like a willow bending without breaking. Over the seasons, I watched him grow with the Vancouver Canucks—quiet, maybe not vocal, but capable of lifting his teammates simply by the way he played.
Then something changed. He seemed to disappear. His game felt off, his body a step behind his mind. The point-per-game magic faded, and he no longer looked in control on the ice. What happened to that bright young player who could have become one of the best Canucks we’ve ever seen?
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For the past two seasons, Pettersson hasn’t been the point-per-game machine we all got used to seeing. Fans and teammates alike have to wonder what’s up and honestly, even Pettersson must wonder what happened to the old him. You’ve got to know he’s probably been frustrated.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics just around the corner, though, there’s a chance he could hit the reset button—maybe even rediscover the magic that made him such a force in the first place.
The numbers tell the story. In 2024-25, Pettersson played 64 games and managed 45 points—15 goals, 30 assists. Not terrible for a regular NHL player, but nowhere near what he used to do. This season’s been even rougher. In 49 games, he’s at 34 points—13 goals, 21 assists—and his minus-15 rating doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
The kicker is that he’s the highest-paid player on the Canucks. That comes with a ton of pressure. People want him to lead by example, to drag the team forward. But after the Quinn Hughes trade, the Canucks are in a mega slump, and when your team’s struggling, it’s easy for even the best players to get frustrated. Pettersson’s talent hasn’t disappeared—it’s just been buried under the chaos.
Could the Olympics Be the Reset Button?
Here’s where the Olympics come in. Pettersson has had some really bright moments on the international stage before: a World Championship gold medal, a World Juniors silver medal. That kind of experience reminds you how good you can be when the game feels fresh.
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Imagine Pettersson finding the net, setting up teammates, or making a big play for Team Sweden. Even a couple of strong games could do wonders for his confidence. Before a trade, hockey analysts often say that sometimes a player needs that change of scenery.
Pettersson isn’t being traded, but this change of scenery—playing on the Olympic stage—might help him remember what he’s capable of. Can he find his rhythm again? Perhaps there’s something about putting on his country’s sweater that just lights a fire in a player.
Even in the rough NHL stretch, there have been flashes. In a recent game against the San Jose Sharks, Pettersson logged two assists and even blocked five shots. He’s close to for blocked shots. That’s the player we know: skilled, engaged, willing to do the dirty work, and capable of running a line. He doesn’t need to force things. He just needs to trust his instincts—and maybe the Olympics can help him get back there.
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If Pettersson wants to really lead the Canucks, he needs to step up with not just points, but tone, effort, and energy. That’s a lot to ask, but if you’re a Canucks’ fan, you have to believe that, if there’s anyone who can handle it, it’s him. A strong showing at the Olympics could be exactly what he needs to shake off the rough patch, rebuild confidence, and remind everyone—including himself—why he’s one of the league’s best young players.
If you’re a Canucks fan, you have to be rooting for him. It would be fantastic to see Pettersson back in form, taking charge, and leading Vancouver the way he’s capable of. The Olympics are a perfect chance for him to hit the reset button.
Can he make the most of this chance? Because when Pettersson is on, he can really make the Canucks. It might not happen this season, but Vancouver fans are ready to believe again. Could Pettersson be the start?
