Pettersson's ability to perform wraparound shots has added another element to his game.

Wraparound shots are a dangerous yet underutilized play in the NHL. The shot can often catch goaltenders off guard while also creating traffic in front of the net. One player who has added this to his bag of tricks is Elias Pettersson, who is the only player this season to record double-digit wraparound shots.

Pettersson has used the wraparound more this season than ever during his NHL career. Coming into 2023-24, he had only attempted the move four times and had yet to score a goal. Fast forward to this season, and he has ten under his belt, with two resulting in goals. For reference, the next highest player who played for the Canucks this season is Andrei Kuzmenko with five, followed by Conor Garland at four. As Pettersson explains, the shot has been a valuable addition to his game as it is a great way to create a scoring chance in front of the net.  

"Feels like whenever I get in that position, I get a good scoring chance," said Pettersson. "I'm always trying to get the puck to the net and cause some chaos, and hopefully, it goes in. I've been close. I have two goals with it this year but I think it causes chaos."

Performing a wraparound is not easy for multiple reasons. Factors such as the timing and positioning of the opposition can either open up opportunities or force players to change their minds. According to Pettersson, he relies on quick reads and scanning the front of the net before deciding whether to attempt the move.

"I think it's a read. If you see the net and there's no one in front of the net, and I got control with it, and I have my guy behind me, then I'm most likely gonna try it. Say if there is a guy in front of the net, he's just gonna block me pretty much if I try it, so it's like a quick read to see if I see that someone is in front of the net or not."

Momentum also plays a significant factor in a successful wraparound. While players can pull off the move while being stagnant, the best option is to come in with speed, forcing goaltenders and defenders out of position. Communication with linemates is also crucial, as wraparounds can create rebounds that others can capitalize on. 

"The more speed, the better, the harder it will be to defend. Sometimes, it's not even a good shot; I'm just trying to get the puck to the net, and then some good things will happen. I talk to my teammates and linemates like whenever I do it, go far post, and maybe the puck will come."

Wraparounds also require a low center of gravity to protect the puck. This allows the player to pull the puck from an awkward angle in front of the net. While Pettersson has already shown he is one of the league's best at executing these shots, it is something he is constantly working on and looking to improve.

"I still gotta work on my puck protection and low center of gravity. I tend to fall down a lot when I'm trying to reach too much. I'm okay at it, but I always think I can do better."

One form of the wraparound that gets a ton of attention is a lacrosse goal or "Michigan." This is something that both Nils Höglander and Vancouver Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki have pulled off in the past. While Pettersson has yet to fully attempt one at the NHL level, he has thought about it and would be willing to try if the timing was right.

"I thought about it a lot when no one had done it. A lot of guys, especially younger players or younger players than me, have done it. If I feel like it and I have time, yeah, maybe I'll try it, but yeah, we'll see."

Pettersson is always looking for ways to become more dangerous on the ice and may have found it in the wraparound. He has studied the move's logistics and shown its effectiveness when executed properly. A tricky shot to pull off; the wraparound has added another dimension to Pettersson's game, which has made him even more dangerous in the offensive zone. 

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