Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson is laser-focused on bouncing back from his lackluster 2024-25 campaign.
"I know what I'm capable of," Pettersson said at Sweden's Olympic orientation camp Wednesday, according to NHL.com's Peter Ekholm. "For myself, it's revenge. I'm not happy with last season."
Pettersson struggled with inconsistency and injuries last season, the first of his eight-year, $92.8-million contract. He managed just 15 goals and 45 points in 64 games and went 15 consecutive contests without a goal as Vancouver missed the playoffs. Pettersson netted a career-high 39 goals and 102 points in 2022-23.
Rick Tocchet, the Canucks' head coach last campaign, criticized Pettersson's preparation after the season.
"I think he got behind the eight ball early," Tocchet said in April. "Then the expectations come, and then there's a little bit of struggle with the team, and he could never gain traction."
Pettersson, who's listed at 6-foot-2, 176 pounds, has added mass to his frame this summer.
"I've put on some (muscle)," Pettersson said, per Ekholm. "It's always about building your base strength to get quick on the ice. To gain a few pounds, get stronger in general, that's always the goal. But for me, it's a bonus to gain a few pounds."
The 26-year-old is trying to take lessons from the disappointing campaign to improve himself going forward.
"I'm learning from what happened last year to be a more mature player going into (this season)," Pettersson said. "I'm trying to lead by example. But I know that I can become a better leader in that aspect. I'm trying my best, but also trying to get better."
