No. 1 – RW/C Elias Pettersson (Växjö Lakers, SHL)
Well, the Golden Boy did it. Elias Petterson and the Växjö Lakers did not make the league finals into a series. They won by a landslide, sweeping Skellefteå by a combined score of 20-1. Just when you thought he was done making history, Pettersson found a new way to do it.
All four games took place during this week’s review and Pettersson crushed it, scoring six goals and adding four assists. He cruised on to winning the Le Mat Trophy with Växjö in dominant fashion. I won’t break the site or your phones with GIFs, so I will pick my two favourite goals.
In case you forgot, Pettersson received a gold helmet for leading the SHL in scoring during the regular season. With his 19 points in 13 games, he got another one for the playoffs. His incredible accomplishments were summed up well on Sunday.
Related Story: Elias Pettersson leads Vaxjo to SHL Championship
Another record broken
We all know that Pettersson holds the record for the best SHL season for his age group (U20). This year’s performance in the playoffs puts him at the very top of his age group. In yet another list that featured Daniel and Henrik Sedin (twice each), Pettersson has passed both. His efforts in the postseason also tie for the seventh best among all players in SHL history.
Fun fact, Anze Kopitar had 11 points in 10 playoff games when he was in the SHL. Pettersson has been phenomenal in Sweden this year. And that’s an understatement. He did not immediately play in the NHL like some of the other high profile picks in his draft class, but cemented his place in Swedish hockey history.
Patience was always the key with Pettersson, but he is progressing far faster than anyone could have hoped; except for Thomas Gradin of course. From this point, Pettersson will likely be added to the Swedish national team at this year’s World Championships.
The Future
He will be an excellent player for years to come, regardless if he plays centre or not. Patience is the key for Pettersson and I understand the debut of Brock Boeser has skewed expectations. Keep in mind, Boeser did not play a full season until the third year after his draft.
Assuming Pettersson plays next year, it’s only his draft+2 year. I could say don’t expect a Calder worthy season, but I know I’m wasting my time in doing so. Enjoy it, Canucks fans. Pettersson is one of the most exciting prospects this team has ever had since a pair of twins from Örnsköldsvik.
We can quibble over how many times Green will healthy scratch the rookie (you know it’s coming), but that will come in the fall. The Vancouver Canucks have something truly special with Elias Pettersson, and the clock is ticking.
Next: How Vancouver will handle their restricted free agents
Surround him with incredible talent. Find people who can excel or even surpass him. Because, Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, Bo Horvat and Thatcher Demko cannot do this alone. The NHL is an ever-growing arms race, but the Canucks can sleep well knowing they have at least one hell of a star player in the making.