Elias Pettersson Scores Twice, Poised for Continued Offensive Leadership on New Contract

Elias Pettersson scored two goals in Monday's 8-5 loss to the Panthers. Coming off a 2023-24 season with 34 goals and 89 points in 82 games, he gears up for the first year of his eight-year, $92.8 million deal. The 25-year-old center previously set career highs with 39 goals and 102 points in 2022-23, where his goal output was bolstered by exceeding three shots per game, despite a 15.2% shooting percentage. A fantastic two-way forward, he also contributed nine shorthanded points, 25 power-play points, and 89 blocked shots. While a point-per-game pace is expected, reaching 40 goals may require more shots. Pettersson, a Calder Trophy winner, remains a premier fantasy asset and Vancouver's most dynamic player, despite a wrist injury sidelining him for part of the 2020-21 season.