Ex-Canucks president critiques Elias Pettersson's missing X-factor, cites Connor McDavid's champion-like mindset that he lacks

Elias Pettersson’s drop in performance has surprised NHL fans. In the 2022-23 season, he scored 102 points in 80 games and was on a 107-point pace before the 2024 All-Star break.

However, after that, his numbers fell quickly, finishing last season with only 25 points in his last 33 games, scoring just once in 13 playoff games. This season, Pettersson played 64 games but managed only 15 goals and 45 points. His shot totals also dropped from 257 in 2022-23 to just 109.

Former Canucks president Trevor Linden shared his thoughts about Pettersson’s struggles. Linden said that Pettersson has the skill but is missing something important. He said that Pettersson doesn't fully understand what it takes to become a champion, telling Dan Riccio and Satiar Shah:

“Connor McDavid this year. You watch his game in the playoffs, and he gets it. He knows now what it takes to be a champion and to be a difference maker in the playoffs. And that's the piece that Elias doesn't understand yet.”

Linden said that many great players, like Steve Yzerman and the Sedin twins, also needed time to figure it out. He explained that players grow and learn what they need to do to become winners. Linden said,

“There comes a point in a player’s career where they finally get it.”

Linden believes it's now up to Pettersson to look at himself and decide to improve:

“For Elias, is he gonna learn? Is he gonna be able to look himself in the mirror and say, ‘Hey, I gotta be better’?”

The Canucks have a big choice to make this summer. They need to decide if they should keep Pettersson or trade him before his no-movement clause starts on July 1.

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Elliotte Friedman believes Canucks won't trade Elias Pettersson

Elias Pettersson isn't expected to be traded unless it helps the Canucks fix their center depth.

On his 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said that Vancouver will only move Pettersson if the return solves that problem.

"I just feel Vancouver is only trading Elias Pettersson if it helps solve their center problem," Friedman said about Pettersson. "That’s the only way I see them doing it."

The Canucks aren't re-signing Pius Suter, who scored 25 goals last season. They believe his next contract will be too expensive. Filip Chytil might play as a third-line center or a top-six winger, but there’s still a gap if Pettersson leaves.