"No wonder JT wanted to get away": NHL fans react to startling stats involving Elias Pettersson and $2,515,000 rookie

New York Rangers rookie forward Matt Rempe's 2025 stats paint an interesting picture when compared to that of Vancouver Canucks star forward Elias Pettersson.

Rempe has scored two goals in wins against the Senators and Islanders in 2025. Pettersson’s only goal was in a loss to the Sabres.

Since then, he has only recorded five assists. Despite having 35 points this season, his recent struggles stand out. Fans have expected a surge in Pettersson's performance because his conflict with J.T. Miller ended after his trade to the Rangers.

Hockey analyst Ryan Mead tweeted:

"Matt Rempe has more goals than Elias Pettersson in 2025. Have a nice day," Mead wrote.

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Fans shared their opinions on Pettersson's underperformance on X (formerly Twitter).

"No wonder JT wanted to get away!" one fan wrote.

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"I hear the Canucks have changed their focus on Petterson and will now look to trade him at the deadline," another fan said.

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"But I thought it was all big bad JT Millers fault that EP40 was soft? This can’t be true," one fan posted.

Here are some more reactions from fans:

"Pettersson wouldn’t be able to take that abuse in front of net n be in position to tip puck in…different kinds of hockey skill…you’re welcome," a fan wrote.

"And yet r/hockey has nothing but disdain for the big guy and his surprisingly soft hands!" another fan commented.

"Just wait till Drury trades Remps for EP," one fan tweeted.

Pettersson is the fifth highest-paid player in the NHL but ranks 131st in league scoring. His lack of goals has frustrated Canucks fans. Meanwhile, Rempe, earning $2,460,000 over three years, is making the most of his chances.

Elias Pettersson assists in Canucks only goal against Utah on Sunday

The Vancouver Canucks lost 2-1 to the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday, their second straight road loss. Elias Pettersson assisted Vancouver’s only goal, setting up Jake DeBrusk for a power-play goal at 1:43 of the second period. DeBrusk finished a cross-crease pass from Pettersson to give the Canucks a 1-0 lead.

Utah tied the game when Logan Cooley redirected John Marino’s shot at 3:51 of the second period. The game remained 1-1 until Dylan Guenther scored the winner on a power play with 5:53 left. He tipped in a pass from Nick Schmaltz at the back post.

Canucks goalie Arturs Silovs made 30 saves in his first start since Nov. 27.

About the author

Ankit is an NHL journalist at Sportskeeda with over 3 years of experience in the writing industry. He has expertise in sports, product, and travel content writing. His interest in ice hockey was piqued after watching Sidney Crosby play and he has been passionately following the game since then. Ankit admires Crosby’s personality and hockey IQ, and when he crossed the 1,500 points tally, Ankit was among the biggest fans to celebrate the occasion.

An Edmonton Oilers fan because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Ankit also admires the Pittsburgh Penguins due to Crosby and the Colorado Avalanche for Nathan MacKinnon. He is also a fan of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language, Ankit believes his education has helped him develop a knack for presenting information in a precise and compelling manner. He only sources information from credible avenues and trusted people from his network for his articles.

When he is not watching or writing about the NHL, Ankit loves listening to music and reading books.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos