After an impressive playoff run that brought the Vancouver Canucks to within one game of the Western Conference final, Elias Pettersson has returned to Sweden for the summer, specifically to Ånge, where he has initiated the “EP40 Skills Camp” aimed at nurturing youth talent. Speaking to Simon Eld of the Sundsvall Newspaper on July 13th, Pettersson outlined his motivations and goals for the camp, emphasizing his desire to give back to his hometown.
“I mainly want to give back to Ånge; all the money goes to them. I want to offer kids the opportunity to come here and learn. The skills we teach are ones I’ve practiced every summer,” Pettersson explained. “There are many players who look good. Everyone eats, everyone listens. It’s my first time acting as a coach, in a way. I thought it would be tough, but it’s been really enjoyable.”
Reflecting on the 2023-2024 NHL season, which marked one of the most successful years in his career, Pettersson achieved personal milestones with 34 goals and 89 points in his first full 82-game season. Beyond personal accolades, it was his inaugural experience with intense playoff hockey, immersed in the fervent Canadian market.
Facing a pivotal moment in his career with contract negotiations looming, Pettersson opted to secure his future in Vancouver with an eight-year, $92.5 million extension, equating to an annual salary of $11.6 million. He articulated his decision to commit to Vancouver based on the positive trajectory of the team and the supportive environment.
“We have something special going on now,” Pettersson affirmed. “Life in Vancouver is fantastic. We’ve assembled a talented roster, excellent coaches, and with the new leadership of general manager Patrik Allvin and president Jim Rutherford, the club has undergone significant positive changes. While we came close to the conference finals last season, now it’s about building on that momentum.”
Acknowledging the challenges he faced in the playoffs despite his regular-season success, Pettersson views his return to Sweden and involvement in community initiatives as a vital means of rejuvenation ahead of the 2024-2025 season.
