2. Elias Pettersson
After a sluggish start to a year in which personal expectations were high, Elias Pettersson has begun to round into form and slowly live up to his three year, $22.050 million dollar contract he signed in October.
Pettersson looked largely unengaged and lackadaisical during the season’s beginning with Green at the helm, leading to lots of fans calling him out for his play. After signing the aforementioned contract during the offseason, Pettersson was expected to return to his number one centre role at the top of the Vancouver lineup and hopefully emerge as an elite player in the NHL.
Despite his very poor form, Pettersson has rallied his play lately under Boudreau’s new system. Through six games, the Swede has yet to record a negative plus/minus, has scored two goals, and earned two further assists.
Despite fluctuating ice time, Pettersson should continue to see his role develop with further games, and sooner rather than later his offensive numbers will reflect his talent ability.