apple.news
Elias Pettersson trade watch: 10 potential destinations and what the Canucks could get back — The Athletic
Elias Pettersson could be the odd man out in Vancouver. What does he bring, where could he land and what does Vancouver need?
Hmmm, damaged goods maybe?
He appears to lack separating speed with his acceleration and skating these days. He doesn’t seem to have enough dynamic force when skating the puck through the neutral zone which has hindered his ability to beat defenders one-on-one and create chances off the rush. NHL Edge data backs this up too: Pettersson was in the 88th percentile of NHL forwards for speed bursts above 20 miles per hour during his career-best 2022-23 season, but has cratered to the 53rd percentile this season.
That drop-off in his skating is especially notable because Pettersson dealt with knee tendonitis down the stretch last season, which coincides with the timing of his production falling off a cliff. There isn’t any reporting around Pettersson playing through an injury this season, but it’s fair to wonder if there have been any lingering effects.
Pettersson’s shooting rate has collapsed. And even when he is shooting, there’s been a noticeable drop-off in his shot velocity: Pettersson was in the 91st percentile of all forwards for average shot speed in 2022-23, but is down to the 59th percentile this season.
I've never been wild about Petterson. He's got undeniable talent, but he also gives that old fashioned soft Euro vibe. Add this injury talk, his $11+M salary, and the likely acquisition price and it's a pass from me. Rather have Miller's sometimes-over-the-top compete and passion, all else being equal.Elias Pettersson trade watch: 10 potential destinations and what the Canucks could get back — The Athletic
Elias Pettersson could be the odd man out in Vancouver. What does he bring, where could he land and what does Vancouver need?
Hmmm, damaged goods maybe?
He appears to lack separating speed with his acceleration and skating these days. He doesn’t seem to have enough dynamic force when skating the puck through the neutral zone which has hindered his ability to beat defenders one-on-one and create chances off the rush. NHL Edge data backs this up too: Pettersson was in the 88th percentile of NHL forwards for speed bursts above 20 miles per hour during his career-best 2022-23 season, but has cratered to the 53rd percentile this season.
That drop-off in his skating is especially notable because Pettersson dealt with knee tendonitis down the stretch last season, which coincides with the timing of his production falling off a cliff. There isn’t any reporting around Pettersson playing through an injury this season, but it’s fair to wonder if there have been any lingering effects.
Pettersson’s shooting rate has collapsed. And even when he is shooting, there’s been a noticeable drop-off in his shot velocity: Pettersson was in the 91st percentile of all forwards for average shot speed in 2022-23, but is down to the 59th percentile this season.
Was it really that shocking? Don't think there's a single area of their roster that I'd even consider average and Sullivan no longer has the magic touch ...
