The Canuck Way
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Canucks: 5 questions that remain unanswered this season

By Brayden Ursel

Mar 17, 2021; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; The Vancouver Canucks celebrate their win against the Ottawa Senators in a shootout at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2021; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; The Vancouver Canucks celebrate their win against the Ottawa Senators in a shootout at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vancouver Canucks. (Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports)
Vancouver Canucks. (Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports) /

The Vancouver Canucks were expected to return to the ice last night to take on the Calgary Flames. That did not happen as the game was postponed due to coronavirus concerns.

According to reports, two members of the Canucks have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as member(s) of the coaching staff. More information should follow at some point today, but for now, Vancouver isn’t playing hockey games.

As the Canucks await what’s next, The Canuck Way ponders five questions about Vancouver that remain unanswered so far this season. Let’s dive into it, starting with the team’s injured star forward, Elias Pettersson.

When will Elias Pettersson make his return?

The mysterious “upper-body injury” that’s kept Pettersson sidelined for nearly a month, again kept him out of Wednesday night’s game. It was actually the postponement of the contest that did it, but either way, the Swedish forward is still nursing his wounds and isn’t ready to return to the game.

Pettersson still hasn’t skated in a full practice with the team, but he is on the ice individually. So, what’s going on here? What’s been holding him back this long?

The Canucks have remained tight-lipped when it comes to Pettersson’s injury, and there really isn’t much to look back on in trying to solve the case yourself. Not much for dangerous hits during his last game, or any awkward stumbles. Simply put, he’s hurt and he’s unavailable.

One thing is for sure though… the Canucks (and Pettersson) don’t seem overly rushed in getting him back in the lineup. And as much as Vancouver doesn’t want to admit that a playoff comeback is unlikely at this point in the season, it’s just not worth trying to bring him back early so that Vancouver has their best player available in a time of need.

With eyes to the future, the Canucks need to give Pettersson all the rest he desires. In a contract year, it doesn’t make sense for him to put himself in a position where he could potentially re-injure himself.

He’s just months ahead of signing the biggest contract of his NHL career and he’s been a franchise piece for Vancouver ever since he played his first game. Now is definitely not the time to pressure him into returning too soon.

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