Canucks center Elias Pettersson played some of his best hockey under former coach Bruce Boudreau. The ex-Canucks coach joined The Hockey News Big Show this week, discussing why the 2026-27 season could be a better one for the Vancouver forward.
There’s been lots of speculation on what version of Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson will emerge during the 2026–27 season. Now under the leadership of New Head Coach Manny Malhotra, it’s speculated that the familiarity and change of coaching style could result in a better season from the 27-year-old center.
Having witnessed some of Pettersson’s best seasons first-hand as his Head Coach from 2021–22 to 2022–23, Boudreau believes that this year will be a different one for the forward. In 99 games played under Boudreau, Pettersson recorded 47 goals and 63 assists, ranking second among Canucks in points after J.T. Miller.
Earlier this week, Boudreau joined The Hockey News Big Show to discuss why he believes Pettersson could have a bounce-back year in 2026–27.
“I think the change to Malhotra is going to really help him, because [when] you come up from the American League, you’ve got to become a player’s coach when you’re doing that, because there’s a lot of massaging the mindset and everything, and I think that’s much better than what a Rick Tocchet or Adam Foote was going to be for him. And I’m not talking as coaches, I’m just talking for him. I think that’s the way you get through to Petey. He’s the kind of guy that needs the pat on the back more than the kick in the a—. That’s, I think, where I got the best out of him.”
To Boudreau, the idea that Pettersson’s skills — which have won him the Calder Memorial Trophy, snagged him a 100-point season, and gotten him named Vancouver’s Most Exciting Player in back-to-back seasons in the past — have suddenly vanished isn’t realistic.
“I thought he was one of the best players with the best vision and one of the best sticks that I’d ever coached when I had him,” he said. “I don’t think at 26 or 27 years old [...] he’s lost all his skill. If you put him with two good guys, and you make him the focal point [where] he’s the number one center, I think he’ll have a good year.
“I just think Petey’s still a good player, I have a lot of faith in him, and I think he’ll bounce back.”
Dec 14, 2021; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau shares a smile with Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson (40) during warm up prior to a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY SportsMake sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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