The Vancouver Canucks are in the midst of a rebuild following one of the worst seasons in franchise history, but Elias Pettersson is prepared to see it through.
"I like it here. This feels like home," Pettersson said Friday during the Canucks' final media day before their offseason begins. "I signed here for a reason. We are in a tough spot. None of us are happy with the season. Like Thatcher (Demko) and Brock (Boeser) said, we've got good pieces here. Just trying to build it up."
"I like it here. This feels like home."
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 17, 2026
Elias Pettersson makes it clear he wants to remain in Vancouver. pic.twitter.com/soljoMsKsQ
Pettersson, 27, signed an eight-year, $92.8-million contract in March 2024. The deal runs through the 2030-31 campaign and carries an $11.6-million average annual value, which ranks 10th in the NHL.
The four-time All-Star led the Canucks with 51 points over 74 games this season, scoring 15 goals and generating 36 assists. Pettersson, one of the longest-tenured players on the roster, has 508 points across 545 games since making his debut in 2018.
The Canucks finished dead last in the standings and have the best odds to win the NHL draft lottery. By points percentage, Vancouver's 25-49-8 record is tied for the third worst in franchise history.
Worst seasons in Canucks history by points percentage
| Season | Record | Points percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1971-72 | 20-50-8* | .308 |
| 1972-73 | 22-47-9* | .340 |
| 1998-99 | 23-47-12* | .354 |
| 2025-26 | 25-49-8 | .354 |
* Earlier seasons included ties instead of overtime losses
The Canucks, who fired general manager Patrik Allvin earlier Friday, seem poised to continue trading away players this offseason to facilitate a rebuild. This season, Vancouver traded away captain Quinn Hughes as well as Conor Garland, Kiefer Sherwood, and Tyler Myers, among others.
