Canucks' Elias Pettersson in Lengthy Goal Drought

Vancouver's star center has gone 20 games without a goal, raising concerns about his production.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:33am

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Elias Pettersson, the Vancouver Canucks' highly-paid center, has not scored a goal in 20 consecutive games dating back to January. Head coach Adam Foote has praised Pettersson's work ethic, but the team is hoping the 24-year-old can soon rediscover his scoring touch as they rebuild around him.

Why it matters

Pettersson is a crucial part of the Canucks' future, having signed an $11.6 million per year contract through the 2031-32 season. His prolonged goal drought is concerning, as the team needs him to be a top offensive producer to eventually emerge from their current rebuilding phase.

The details

Pettersson's last goal came on January 13th, when he scored twice in back-to-back games. Since then, he has gone 20 consecutive games without finding the back of the net, including the Olympic break where he did not contribute much offense for Sweden. Head coach Adam Foote has praised Pettersson's work ethic, noting that he has been putting in extra time on the ice and in the gym, but the goals have not come.

  • Pettersson's last goal was scored on January 13, 2026.
  • His current goal drought spans 20 consecutive games.

The players

Elias Pettersson

A 24-year-old center for the Vancouver Canucks who is in the midst of a 20-game goal drought after signing an $11.6 million per year contract with the team.

Adam Foote

The head coach of the Vancouver Canucks who has praised Pettersson's work ethic despite the player's inability to score goals.

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What they’re saying

“He was out there today at 11:05 for an 11:30 practice working. He was out there after working. He's been on the bike after games riding. So he's doing the work. He's had the breakaway twice in OT (in Winnipeg and against Nashville). I was never a goal scorer, so I don't know how it feels to go through that. I'm sure at times he feels like it weighs on him. When he's moving his feet, he's having success on the ice and he knows that. And he's trying to keep reminding himself of that.”

— Adam Foote, Head Coach

What’s next

The Canucks will hope that Pettersson can end his goal drought soon, as the team looks to him to be a key part of their rebuilding efforts.

The takeaway

Elias Pettersson's prolonged goal drought is a major concern for the Canucks, who have invested heavily in the 24-year-old center as a cornerstone of their franchise. While his work ethic is praised, the team needs Pettersson to rediscover his scoring touch in order to emerge from their current rebuilding phase.