Pettersson Hits Career Milestone

Elias Pettersson hit a major milestone on Tuesday evening, becoming just the 7th player to record 500 points with the Vancouver Canucks. Pettersson recorded this feat on his second assist of the game against the Anaheim Ducks, on a power play goal from Brock Boeser. 

Pettersson also became the second-fastest player in Canucks history to record 500 points, doing so in 533 games, only 4 games behind Thomas Gradin, who accomplished the feat in 529 games. 

A Milestone Worth Celebrating?

Pettersson’s time in Vancouver has had its ups and downs. A star player when he entered the league, Pettersson made an immediate impact. Winning the Calder Trophy in his rookie year (Rookie of the Year), he helped launch the Canucks into an era of forward momentum and hopes of contention. 8 seasons, and only 2 playoff appearances later, Elias Pettersson captures his 500th NHL point only 2 days after the Canucks were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. 

Thus seemingly summing up the entirety of the Canucks throughout the Pettersson era. Where players perform to exceptional standards, setting franchise records, and achieving personal accolades, yet the Canucks as a team still flounder. 

It would be easier to admire and cheer for Pettersson’s accomplishment if it weren’t the only thing this season worth celebrating for Canucks fans. Outside of a prospective first overall selection in the upcoming draft, the Canucks have provided very little to cheer for. Although Pettersson’s achievement is impressive and he deserves his flowers, it is not enough to distract from where the Canucks were, where they are now, and where they are going in the next few seasons.

Pettersson’s Future

Elias Pettersson has a true opportunity to become the Canucks franchise scoring leader, and to even do so in fewer games than Henrik and Daniel Sedin. However, if team success does not begin to follow Pettersson’s personal accomplishments, it will continue to be difficult to celebrate these victories. 

Team success is obviously not all up to Pettersson, and he alone should not be punished for this team’s failures. Unfortunately, there is a growing debate to be had as to whether Pettersson is capable of being a part of this team’s future success. A two-year slump, and the worst season in Canucks history will sow that kind of doubt in an organization and fanbase. What Pettersson can control is how he is perceived. 

Hitting 500 points in his career is a quick and easy reminder to how good Pettersson has been over his career, and though he has not lived up to his former self over this year or last, that potential is there. Getting back to the player he was only 2 seasons ago is of paramount importance for both Pettersson and the Canucks. Or else, all these milestones and achievements will be mere consolation prizes for an era wasted.