Among the most interesting prospect storylines this year has been the play of Elias Pettersson. When Pettersson was selected fifth-overall last summer by the Vancouver Canucks, no one knew just how well he’d transition to the highest level of hockey, given that he’d only played in the Swedish second league to that point. That the Canucks selected him ahead of WHL forward Cody Glass and impressive USHL scorer Casey Mittelstadt showed just how confident they were in his abilities.
Pettersson has not disappointed. After making the jump to the SHL this season, he took off scoring at a league-leading pace until departing the Vaxjo Lakers for the World Junior Championships. After collecting a silver medal for Sweden, he has returned and picked up right where he left off. Now sitting second in league scoring despite the missed time, Pettersson just passed Peter Forsberg for second all-time in points from a junior-aged player in the SHL. His 50 points in 40 games is an incredible testament to his skill at such a young age.
Still, those in Vancouver might have to wait a while to see him up close. Rick Dhaliwal of News 1130 spoke with Vaxjo GM Henrik Evertsson today, who told him that he believes Pettersson still needs time to physically mature and hopes he’ll stay in Sweden next season. Evertsson believes that his star rookie will be suiting up for the World Championships this spring, meaning a ATO with the Utica Comets is likely out of the question.
All of that is up to Pettersson though, who has yet to sign an entry-level contract with the Canucks. Standing 6’2″ but only 165-lbs, Evertsson may have a point about his physical maturity. Perhaps another season away from the Canucks will make him even more dangerous when he finally makes his NHL debut.