Playing through injuries and personal tragedy, the 2025–26 season has not become what Elias Pettersson hoped for. Now, he is being candid about his season so far.
Since signing his contract extension in 2024, Pettersson has struggled to reach the production levels he previously set. Last season, he recorded 45 points in 64 games for the Vancouver Canucks, who missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This season, the Canucks currently sit 15th in the Western Conference.
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Elias Pettersson speaks out
However, this season has been about more than hockey for Pettersson. Earlier this winter, he and his wife, Katelyn, lost their unborn baby—a devastating personal tragedy.
“Obviously, it’s very emotional. It’s not what you expect to happen; you don’t think it’s going to happen to you. It’s tough, but that’s life. I’m not going to sit here and make everyone feel bad for me; we’re not the only ones this has happened to. When Katelyn posted about it, just the amount of people who reached out and shared their own stories helped us a lot,” Pettersson told Sportsnet.
Has been playing injured
On the ice, Pettersson has three goals and one assist in his last five games, but he admits he is still not where he wants to be.
“I think I was doing okay, but injuries happen. Now that I’m back, I’m just trying to work as hard as I can out there and play the right way. It’s going to be a nagging injury for a while—probably the rest of the season. But I can play with it. In some situations, there’s pain, but I can push through it,” Pettersson said.
Praised by fans
Fans are now praising Pettersson for his honesty.
“I’m glad he feels he can talk again, at least more than he has in the past two years,” one fan writes on X.
“Really honest interview. We don’t often get these kinds of heart-to-heart moments with players,” another fan comments.
“Everyone needs to relax with the Petey hate—he’s a phenomenal hockey player,” a third fan writes.
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