Elias Pettersson Scouting Reports

Absolute workhorse for Team Sweden at the WJC in Gothenburg.
Over 23:00 TOI per game.
All hard minutes
Matches up against top lines and plays a key role on the PK.
Battles in the trenches. Pushes back. Physical. Hard to play against.
Not just a 'Defensive D' - moves very well - can escape pressure and lead the rush on occasion - or outlet and join as an extra layer - '2-way Top 4 NHL / Match-Up D' on the horizon

Pettersson is a 6'4 205lbs, left shot, 'two-way' defenceman. The Canucks selected him in the third round (80th) in 2022. He's an excellent skater, especially for his stature. Pettersson has the hockey sense, puck skill, and pace to be used in a variety of roles. He's likely to match up versus top six forwards and roll over the boards on one of the primary penalty killing units for Team Sweden, but he's also capable of producing better than secondary offense.
The Canucks have a potential top four defenceman on the horizon in Pettersson. The scouting staff should be excited, and proud, about where they grabbed him in the draft.

Noticeably more confident in all three zones. Pettersson is a big body who isn't punishing, but shows willingness to bump opponents and front opponents on perimeter (making it difficult for shooter to direct pucks around his large frame). In a ten game segment (from the end of February to early March 2023) he produced 5 assists. His read/react game was on point and he took more risks jumping into the play. It's interesting to note he is not being used on the penalty kill, late in the season. All of his ice time comes at even strength. He is averaging between (13 - 16) minutes TOI. On the rise. Reliable. Sound game management.

A good size 2-way 'D' who plays to an identity.
He won't bring much in the way of offense. A low risk player. Elias moves well. He's quick to take away space. Primary contributor on the the PK who will get into lanes and block shots. Teams can feel comfortable knowing what they are getting in this player. Compliments a more aggressive / puck rushing partner.