Photo credit: Geoff Burke – Imagn Images.
Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson has struggled in a big way through Sweden’s first two preliminary round games at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
We’re through three days at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy and so far, it’s been a so-so tournament for members of the Vancouver Canucks organization.
“Pettersson has a similar opportunity to rebuild some of his value and whether that leads to a trade or just allows him to generate some momentum to close out the season remains to be seen. Sometimes when a player like Pettersson is in a difficult situation for a couple of years, it can do a number on their confidence. In Milan, Pettersson is going to be playing with and against elite players everywhere he turns, so if that doesn’t bring out his best, it’s probably time for the Canucks to be very concerned about how his contract is going to age.” Michal Amato of Sportsnet said ahead of the Olympics.
Vancouver Canucks’ Elias Pettersson continuing to struggle offensively at 2026 Winter Olympics
Sweden began their preliminary round on Wednesday with a matchup against the hosts, Italy, who put up a pretty good fight, opening the scoring early in the first period and even tied it up at 2-2 in the second before allowing three unanswered.
During their opening game, Elias Pettersson went point-less and only skated in 13:22, with fans hoping to see more out of the Sundsvall native in their second game, which took place earlier on Friday against their Nordic rivals, Finland.
Game two looked a lot like game one for Elias Pettersson as didn’t record any points and even saw his ice time decrease by over three minutes as Finland went on to win their first game of the tournament, 4-1.
Not that it’s a guarantee Elias Pettersson is dealt by the Canucks before the deadline, mainly due to the fact he holds full control with his no-movement clause, Russell Morgan pointed out that he isn’t helping his trade value in the slightest with his play thus far in Milan.
“Elias Pettersson isn’t doing the Canucks or his trade value any favors with his performance so far in the Olympics.” Morgan said on X.
Elias Pettersson and Team Sweden will wrap up the preliminary round on Saturday at 3:10 am PT against Juraj Slafkovsky and Team Slovakia, with Vancouver Canucks fans crossing their fingers that their star forward can elevate his game to the next level and produce for his nation as they chase a bye to the quaterfinals.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
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Vancouver Canucks’ Elias Pettersson struggling in a big way at the 2026 Winter Olympics
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