Elias Pettersson’s Vancouver Canucks teammates weren’t going to let his incredible efforts go unnoticed in the team’s 3-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Swedish forward was active all over the defensive zone, making several key plays which thwarted quality scoring chances for the Leafs. He finished the night with five shot blocks, tied with captain Quinn Hughes for the team lead.
After a particularly hard-fought shift in the third period, Pettersson’s Canucks teammates were quick to encourage him from the bench.
“Selke, Selke,” they shouted explained Hughes per The Athletic’s Thomas Drance.
They were of course referencing the Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s best defensive forward. Pettersson has received votes in each of the past two seasons with a career-best finish of seventh in the 2022-23 campaign.
“I thought it was one of Petey’s best games of the year, I thought he was terrific,” said head coach Rick Tocchet. “Blocked shots, that one at the end there, dove when they had a backdoor play, that was high hockey IQ.”
“Every line was great but Petey was excellent tonight.”
Heck of an effort from Pettersson tonight. For those who don’t watch him regularly, his per game ranks among forwards this season…
Blocked Passes: 1st
Blocked Shots: 14th
Puck Battle Wins: 17th
Loose Puck Recoveries: 24th
Stick Checks: 33rd https://t.co/h2KBxDpO9Y pic.twitter.com/5SYnwmDZiI— Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyNHL) January 12, 2025
The rest of the Canucks followed the star centre’s lead and put together a really solid defensive performance, limiting the Leafs to just 20 total shots. Goalie Kevin Lankinen picked up his fourth shutout of the season and didn’t have to stand on his head to do it.
“Just trying to be myself out there, trying to be reliable at both ends and when it’s my time to step up for something, I always want to do it,” explained Pettersson.
It was just Pettersson’s second game back from injury but one of his best in recent months and he didn’t just make his presence felt on the defensive side of the ice. He also picked up an assist and made a few nifty moves to create scoring opportunities or draw a penalty.
Myers banks one off Boeser to open the scoring at Scotiabank Arena 🏦 pic.twitter.com/dzXZBw2HPv
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 12, 2025
The strong all-around performance was much needed for the highest-paid player on the team. He hasn’t been himself this season and has just 29 points in 36 games, far below the 100-point pace he’s played at in the past.
The 26-year-old has been in trade rumours this season as the Canucks look for a solution to a reported rift with J.T. Miller. Many teams have been linked to Pettersson in trade talks and it’s not hard to understand why, especially when he plays like he did tonight.