NHL News: Canucks star Elias Pettersson sends clear message to Adam Foote, teammates ahead of 2025-26 season

The Vancouver Canucks are well aware of a hard truth: they can be as good as Elias Pettersson’s production allows them to be. Ahead of a do-or-die NHL season, brand-new head coach Adam Foote wants to right the ship after a turbulent year.

Pettersson was in the eye of the storm all season long during the 2025-26 NHL campaign. Drama started in training camp. After spending the summer in Sweden, the #40 for the Canucks returned to Vancouver in subpar shape, which raised eyebrows in the locker room and facility.

Things only worsened after Pettersson and J.T. Miller’s relationship went south, creating a rift within the team. Suddenly, players were left to choose sides. The front office finally acted, trading Miller to the Rangers and hoping everything would work out after that.

It kind of did, but it really didn’t in many other ways. Now, the Canucks need to truly flip the script in the 2025-26 NHL season. For starters, Rick Tocchet is no longer in town, and former assistant coach Adam Foote has taken over the reins.

Adam Foote stands on the bench for his first ever WHL game as a head coach for the Kelowna Rockets against the Swift Current Broncos at Prospera Place on October 23, 2018 in Kelowna, Canada.

Redemption arc

Pettersson is well aware of the big vote of confidence Vancouver placed in him, and he wants to make amends—not with words, but with points on the ice. However, the NHL won’t come around until October, so statements will make do for the moment.

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“I know what I can do. I haven’t actually thought about it, but for my part I want revenge,” Pettersson admitted in dialogue with Peter Ekholm. (Translated by Adam Kierszenblat). “I’m not happy with the season that was, but it’s done now. There’s no point in dwelling on it. I’m learning from what happened last season to become a better and more mature player next year.”

Being back healthy

Injury concerns have been affecting Pettersson’s play in the past seasons, but it seems those are only a fading memory as the 26-year-old forward sets his sight on the upcoming campaign.

“I have been healthy and able to train fully,” Pettersson added. “Right now I haven’t had any injuries that kept me away from training. But it was clear it was a tough season. With that said, I am taking the lessons with me. I’m just very hungry to have a good season.”