Elias Pettersson is feeling good on and off the ice.
The Vancouver Canucks forward confirmed on Monday he got married this summer — “best day of my life,” he said — and also focused on improving his strength for the coming season.
Pettersson said he added “six kilos” (13 pounds) with his work in the gym after a disappointing season with production (15 goals and 30 assists in 64 games) and health. He dealt with knee tendinitis last off-season that lingered throughout the year and missed the final 12 games with an oblique injury.
“I feel good,” Pettersson said before the Canucks’ annual pre-season golf tournament. “It’s been a long summer, so I just tried to add some muscle and get ready to be myself again out there. I feel confident I will.”
The former Calder Trophy winner was way off his game last season after earning an eight-year, $92.8-million contract in March 2024.
Pettersson is eager to see his off-season work translate to better play for himself and the team after last year’s playoff miss.
“Nothing was holding me back this summer,” he said.
Boeser ready to roll
Speaking of busy summers, Brock Boeser didn’t sit still much, either.
The Canucks forward said he went on vacation to Italy and Croatia before free agency opened. Boeser went on to sign a seven-year, $50.75-million contract to stay in Vancouver.
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“I don’t recommend that for anyone else,” Boeser said, of taking vacation before reaching a deal. “Kind of was stressed on a trip you’re not supposed to be stressed on.”
Of course, there was much to celebrate when all was said and done.
“Obviously, it was a very stressful time,” he said. “I’m just happy it’s over and done with, and now I can just focus on playing hockey.”
Praise for coach
Pettersson and Boeser are both fans of the decision to promote Adam Foote to head coach after Rick Tocchet left for the Flyers.
“He’s a great leader,” Pettersson said. “He’s good to talk to, just … having talks with him this summer has been really good. Looking forward to it.”
Added Boeser: “He’s such a detailed guy. He’s a guy that connects with the players well, he has the last few seasons. I think he’s going to be great for us.”
Kane can help
Tyler Myers and Evander Kane have been foes (in their Western Hockey League days) and teammates (at the world juniors and world championship).
Now, they are together again with the Canucks after Vancouver acquired Kane this summer.
“I think Kaner’s going to help us a lot,” Myers said. “He brings a lot to a group. Big, power forward. The times I had with him when we were younger, playing against him wasn’t that fun. Playing with him at things like world juniors and worlds, I know what he can bring. I think he’s exactly some of the things we were lacking a little bit of. I think he’s going to be great for us.”
