ELIAS PETTERSSON, VANCOUVER CANUCKS

In the grand scheme of things, it was a nothing play that had no impact on Vancouver’s season-opening win over the Oilers. But by throwing a nasty reverse hit on a charging Edmonton defender, Pettersson displayed a level of surliness that suggested he’s ready to pay a price to earn his ice. “No joke, I loved that hit as much as I loved his goal,” said Pettersson collector Eric Moorehead. “It was a statement that he can’t be pushed around.” If there’s any knock on the 2019 Calder Trophy winner, it’s the perception that he can struggle at times with the heavy tra c down low. The truth of it is, Pettersson is much tougher than his 6-foot-2, 176-pound frame suggests. He’s never been afraid to venture into the greasy areas – in fact, that’s where he does most of his damage with a lethal shot that defies the laws of physics. Now, though, he’s sending out a message that he’s going to give as good as he gets. Despite achieving a high level of popularity in the hobby, there’s always been a sense that the demand for his cards is mostly driven by stats and highlights as a result of Vancouver playing most of their games in the Pacific time zone. Now that the Canucks will play a steady diet of teams out East, there’s a chance that new fans will get a chance to really hone in on what makes Pettersson one of the most exciting players in the game. “I’m excited for people to see more than just the highlights,” Moorehead said. “He’s not just an o ensive wizard. He’s spectacular at every aspect of the game, in every zone. I don’t think many people think of him as the best player in this division, but he might be. I think he has a legit chance to win the Selke this year with more people getting a chance to watch his complete game, night-in and night-out. “And playing in this division, I think he’s going to put up massive numbers,” Moorhead added.

CARDS TO BUY NOW

2018-19 The Cup #61 2018-19 Upper Deck Ice #140 2018-19 Upper Deck #248