Canucks' Elias Pettersson discusses his knee injury and how he feels playing alongside DeBrusk and Lekkerimäki
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Following his first-on-ice practice during training camp, Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson met with the media today to discuss his knee injury.
As Elias Pettersson enters the first year of his $11.6 million annual, eight-year deal, the bar is set high. He was among the NHL's most effective players until a significant downturn in January affected his playoff performances.
Last season, Pettersson struggled notably in the final stretch and the Stanley Cup Playoffs, looking nothing like his usual self from the beginning of the year or the previous season. He explained at the team's season-ending media briefing that a knee injury from January could have played a role in his reduced effectiveness during the playoffs.
When asked about his knee during a press conference on Thursday, Pettersson responded that it felt good and that the pain was gone. However, he added that it was a persistent injury that was difficult to treat but that they were able to get around.
«I felt good, it's exciting to get started again. I like our line with Lekkerimaki and DeBrusk. He brings a lot of skill and obviously we've played him before. He's a good two-way player who works hard,» Pettersson said about DeBrusk. «He's skillful, he works hard, he plays the body, and he goes to the dirty areas. I think it's the combination of physical play and smartness.»
«I'm always my biggest critic and I'm never going to shy away if I play good or bad. Now I'm just accepting that it wasn't my best hockey at the end of the year, but that's in the past and I'm looking forward to this year I've always got the biggest expectations for myself and that hasn't changed."
The Vancouver Canucks are hoping Elias Pettersson can return to being a 100-point player this upcoming season, and hearing that he is over his knee injury is great news. The Swedish forward also looks motivated going into the season, having signed a new contract.
On Wednesday, September 25, the Canucks will play the Calgary Flames at a neutral site in Abbotsford, where Pettersson will make his preseason debut in 2024.
| POLL | ||
20 SEPTEMBRE | 82 ANSWERS Canucks' Elias Pettersson discusses his knee injury and how he feels playing alongside DeBrusk and Lekkerimäki Do you think Elias Pettersson will hit 100 or more points this season? | ||
| Yes | 44 | 53.7 % |
| No | 38 | 46.3 % |
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