Elias Pettersson

Ian Moran’s Thoughts: I like Pettersson’s game. To me he plays the type of game that translate to the NHL. He moves the puck quickly in transition and is more concerned about winning than his stat line. In defensive neutral zone transition he plays with a tight gap and moves well laterally without needing to crossover. I like how he pinches opposing line rushes off as early as possible and how he directs the opposing puck carrier in the direction he wants him to go by using the blade of his stick to control him. Pettersson retrieves pucks with his head on swivel scanning the ice for the F2 and F3, not just the F1. While defending the cycle he battles through picks when he is the first man on the puck and it is easy to see him directing traffic when sorting through picks or scissor plays. He is not someone who is going to run your power play, but he is detailed enough to kill penalties and play against the other team’s top line.

U18 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup: Team Sweden vs Team USA, August 7, 2021: Pettersson is a long lanky left shot defender who played the right side. He is listed at 6’2, but looks and plays longer than that. His stick was very active and he seemed to have a knack for getting the toe of his stick in the way just as the Team USA player was ready to attempt his shot. His stride is fluid and we liked his acceleration after receiving a pass in the neutral zone, behind the Team Sweden net and especially along the offensive blue line which resulted in his goal. He finished the game with a goal and an assist in 16:29 of ice time including 2:56 while short handed. Petterson’s quick burst of speed also allowed him to draw a penalty early in the first.