Swedish · Sundsvall, Sweden · Born 12 November 1998Elias Pettersson is a Swedish ice hockey centre who won the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019 and has become a top offensive threat for the Vancouver Canucks.
Elias Pettersson was born in Sundsvall, Sweden in 1998. Vancouver Canucks selected him fifth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. His career through 2024-25 has produced exceptional statistics — he won the Calder Trophy as best rookie in 2019 after a remarkable debut season. He was selected to four All-Star games. He has been a finalist for the Hart Trophy and the Art Ross scoring trophy. His combination of skating speed, passing creativity and goal-scoring from the centre position drew immediate comparisons to Peter Forsberg — the highest compliment Swedish hockey can receive. He became the Vancouver Canucks' franchise player during his rebuilding years and helped return the franchise to competitiveness by leading them to the second round of the 2024 playoffs. He signed a long-term extension with Vancouver in 2023, committing to the market rather than seeking a trade to a bigger stage. He is the most exciting Swedish player in the current game and one of the top centres in the league.
2019 Calder Trophy winner, Vancouver Canucks centre
How They Played
Pettersson is known for his exceptional hockey IQ, precise passing ability, and deceptive shot release. He possesses excellent vision and creativity, making him dangerous both as a scorer and playmaker. Despite his slender frame, he uses his intelligence and skating ability to find open ice and create scoring opportunities.
Lasting Impact
One of the most skilled Swedish forwards of his generation and franchise cornerstone for Vancouver
Career Honours
- Calder Memorial Trophy (2019)
- 4-time NHL All-Star (2019, 2020, 2023, 2024)
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver Canucks | 2018–2024 | 354 | 153 |
| Timrå IK | 2015–2017 | 43 | 19 |
| Växjö Lakers | 2017–2018 | 44 | 24 |
 Sweden | — | 15 | 4 |
Swedish Athletes