Canucks Bench Star Pettersson Ahead of Trade Deadline

Elias Pettersson speaks out after being sat for final 10 minutes of Canucks loss to Kraken

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Vancouver Canucks benched star center Elias Pettersson for the final 9 minutes and 47 seconds of their game against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, with head coach Adam Foote telling reporters "He's got to be better and he knows that." Pettersson, who has struggled to produce offensively of late, acknowledged the coach's decision and said "Coach is coaching to win, whatever he decides I respect. I've got to be better."

Why it matters

Pettersson's benching raises questions about his future in Vancouver, as the Canucks appear headed for a rebuild and may look to trade the 24-year-old center who is signed to a hefty long-term contract. His lack of production and now this incident could make it difficult for the Canucks to get full value in a potential trade.

The details

Pettersson finished the game against the Kraken without a shot on goal and went just 3-for-10 in the faceoff circle. He has not scored a goal in 13 games dating back to before the Olympics, where he also struggled to make an impact for Sweden. The Canucks' decision to bench their star player in a close game could signal growing frustration with his recent play and the team's direction.

  • Pettersson was benched for the final 9 minutes and 47 seconds of the Canucks' game against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Elias Pettersson

A 24-year-old Swedish center for the Vancouver Canucks who has struggled offensively of late, going 13 games without a goal.

Adam Foote

The head coach of the Vancouver Canucks who benched Pettersson late in the game against the Kraken, telling reporters "He's got to be better and he knows that."

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What they’re saying

“Coach is coaching to win, whatever he decides I respect. I've got to be better.”

— Elias Pettersson (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Canucks will have to decide whether to keep Pettersson or look to trade him ahead of the NHL trade deadline, as the team appears headed for a rebuild.

The takeaway

Pettersson's benching highlights the growing frustration in Vancouver with the team's struggles and the difficult decisions they face regarding their star players as the trade deadline approaches.