Canucks HC Calls Out $92.8 Million Star Pettersson After Benching

Vancouver coach Adam Foote demands more from the team's highest-paid player amid a disappointing season.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Vancouver Canucks' dismal season continued with a 5-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken, leading coach Adam Foote to bench star forward Elias Pettersson in the final minutes. Foote publicly called out Pettersson, who is in the second year of an 8-year, $92.8 million contract, saying "he's got to be better" and that the team needs more from their highest-paid player. Pettersson acknowledged Foote's decision and said "I've got to be better."

Why it matters

Pettersson's massive contract puts significant pressure on him to perform, but he has struggled to live up to expectations over the past two seasons as the Canucks have fallen on hard times. Foote's public rebuke of the star player highlights the growing frustration within the organization and the need for Pettersson to turn things around if the team hopes to get back on track.

The details

During the Canucks' 5-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken, Foote made the decision to bench Pettersson in the final minutes of the game. Foote said Pettersson "knows he's got to be better" and that the team "needs more from him." Pettersson acknowledged Foote's reasoning, saying "Coach is coaching to win, whatever he decides, I respect. I've got to be better... my number wasn't called."

  • The Canucks lost 5-1 to the Seattle Kraken on March 1, 2026.

The players

Adam Foote

The head coach of the Vancouver Canucks.

Elias Pettersson

A 27-year-old forward for the Vancouver Canucks who is in the second year of an 8-year, $92.8 million contract.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's got to be better and he knows that, he's aware of that. We need more from him and he's got to find it.”

— Adam Foote, Head Coach, Vancouver Canucks (profootballnetwork.com)

“Coach is coaching to win, whatever he decides, I respect. I've got to be better... my number wasn't called.”

— Elias Pettersson (profootballnetwork.com)

What’s next

The Canucks will look for Pettersson to bounce back in their next game as they continue to struggle through a disappointing season.

The takeaway

Pettersson's massive contract has put immense pressure on him to perform, but his play has fallen short of expectations over the past two seasons. Foote's public rebuke highlights the growing frustration within the organization, and Pettersson will need to step up if the Canucks hope to turn things around.