The Vancouver Canucks announced today that they have signed top prospect Elias Pettersson to a three-year entry-level contract. Pettersson was selected fifth overall in last years NHL entry draft.
Heres a scouting report on Pettersson by Last Word’s own Ben Kerr:
https://lastwordonhockeyprospects.com/2017/04/05/elias-pettersson-scouting-report-2017-nhl-draft-8/
Canucks Sign Elias Pettersson
Elias Pettersson had a fantastic rookie season playing in the SHL with Vaxjo HC. He set new SHL records by a player under the age of 20 scoring 24 goals and 56 points in 44 games. He also set a player record for players under the age of 20 with 10 goals and 19 points in 13 games. All while capturing the SHL championship.
Not only did Pettersson take home the SHL Championship but he also brought home some individual hardware in his first season. Pettersson was named Rookie of the Year and Best Foward. He also took home MVP honours for both the regular season and playoffs.
Here’s what Canucks GM Jim Benning had to say in a release:
“Elias is a talented offensive player with tremendous vision and skill. “Like most Canucks fans we watched with excitement the incredible season he had in Sweden. This is an important offseason of training and development for Elias and we expect him to be ready to challenge for a roster spot in training camp.”
Pettersson in Vancouver Next Season?
With the departure of the Sedin twins, the Vancouver Canucks will be certainly looking to add some much-needed offence and Pettersson can certainly provide it. Pettersson has elite vision and hockey sense. His ability to play centre will make him and Bo Horvat a very good one-two punch down the middle for years to come. Pettersson is one of the top prospects not playing in the NHL right now. We fully expect him to make the opening night roster in October.
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