Canucks GM: Pettersson owning his struggles 'a big step'

The 2024-25 campaign hasn't been an easy one for Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson, but general manager Patrik Allvin is proud of the way his top center took ownership of his struggles earlier this month.

"I give him credit," Allvin told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. "When he addressed the media a couple of weeks ago and took ownership of it, I think that was a big step for him."

Pettersson came under fire in late February when he brushed off his slump and said it was "more annoying dealing with the media." He eventually walked back those comments, saying he was caught in the moment and the media isn't a factor in his poor play.

The 26-year-old also clashed with former teammate J.T. Miller earlier this season, leading to the latter being traded to the New York Rangers.

Pettersson has managed just 42 points in 61 games this season - a sharp decline in production after tallying a career-high 102 in 2022-23 and 89 a year ago. However, he's improved his game lately, recording four goals and three assists in his last seven appearances since snapping a 15-game goal drought.

"This league is a humbling league," Allvin said. "Every day is an opportunity to get better. When you figure that out, you see the results. Lately, you can tell that he's been working on his game, and the results are coming.

"We all know there's a whole other level of his talent level to reach, but I think he understands what he needs to be in order to get back there."

Pettersson is in the first season of an eight-year, $92.8-million contract. His $11.6-million cap hit makes him Vancouver's highest-paid player.