Respect of NHL foes ultimate birthday gift for rookie Pettersson
NEW YORK Like moths to a flame, they were drawn to Elias Pettersson on Monday.
The slick Vancouver Canucks rookie centre not only turned 20, but he also turned the traditional morning skate conversation from the game to a gangly kid who has taken the NHL by storm, and is already worthy of marquee status at Madison Square Garden.
Ten goals in your dazzling first 12 games will do that.
With an array of offensive wizardry that looks like the superlative Swede is playing a video game — controlling the opposition with an uncanny ability to execute eyepopping moves — the appetite to know more about Pettersson was prevalent.
New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist marvelled at his countryman’s transition to North America.
Kevin Shattenkirk detailed the defensive zone dilemma to deter Pettersson. And former junior teammate Lias Andersson opened up about how, as a pair of Under-16 hopefuls for the Swedish national team, they couldn’t make the grade.
They had dinner together on Sunday night in New York. Imagine that conversation?
“I always thought he had it for sure — something special — but the first year with the national team, we weren’t even picked,” said Andersson, whom the Rangers selected two spots after Pettersson went fifth overall in the 2017 draft.
“And then we came up at 16 and 17 and played together on the fourth line and got some chemistry going, and slowly moved up to the first line.”
The amazing ascent wasn’t lost on anybody, especially Pettersson, who has played with and against Andersson.
“I agree — we talked a lot about that,” he said after leaving home at 15 to pursue the pro game. “It’s good for people who maybe don’t believe in themselves to just work hard and good things will happen. That’s what happened to us. Things go fast in life and we’re happy where we are and living our dream life.”
Andersson went one better. “It’s a great story,” he said. “Four years ago, we’re not on the national team and now we’re here. And I don’t think you can say he’s too small or too lean — he’s actually strong. And he’s not the heaviest guy, but he’s so smart.”
That’s great, but Pettersson and fourth-liner in the same sentence?
“We still created chances and felt we had stuff in us,” said Andersson. “We just proved ourselves. And it’s incredible what he’s done. He’s just one of those special kids who can make plays and who has worked a lot on his shot. He always had a good one, but it’s better, and he has elite playmaking abilities.”
And forget that crazy flex on the stick when Pettersson follows through. It’s about the execution.
Pettersson drew immense attention in the Swedish Hockey League after starting last season as an 18-year-old rookie. As a right winger who played just nine games at centre, he had 56 points (24-32) in 44 games and 19 (10-9) in 13 post-season games to lead Vaxjo HC Lakers to the league title.
He even surpassed the career under-20 regular season and playoff production of Canucks legends Henrik and Daniel Sedin.
His 75 combined points (34-41) in 57 games topped Henrik, who had 61 points (14-47) in 63 games in 1999-2000, and Daniel, who managed 56 points (24-32) over 63 games in the same season.
“I can relate to coming over as a young player,” said Lundqvist.
“It’s a lot to take in, no matter what country you’re from. You’re living your dream, but at the same time, you have to perform. My rookie year, so many things are happening for you and you’re so excited, but you have to keep your focus on the right things.”
Shattenkirk knows via video and word of mouth that Pettersson has a lethal shot and a multi-dimensional game that will test any veteran defenceman.
“You have to be aware when he’s on the ice and that’s a lot of praise for a rookie,” said the Rangers blue-liner.
Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad, who got a brief look at his countryman at the 2018 world championship before the centre suffered a fractured thumb, put it best.
“He has all the tools,” said Zibanejad. “He’s slippery.”