Analyst Doubts Elias Pettersson's Comeback Potential

Comparison to Huberdeau raises questions about former star's ability to regain elite form

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Elias Pettersson, the Vancouver Canucks center, has seen a sharp decline in his performance over the past few years due to conflicts with teammates and waning confidence. Despite some defensive improvements, he remains far from replicating his exceptional 102-point season in 2022-23. Analyst Craig Button has drawn a parallel between Pettersson's current state and that of Jonathan Huberdeau, suggesting that Pettersson may never regain his peak level of dominance.

Why it matters

Pettersson's decline has raised concerns among NHL observers about his ability to return to his former elite status. A fresh start with a new team could provide the opportunity needed to reignite his offensive abilities, but his contract expectations and the Canucks' future strategy will be heavily influenced by his performance.

The details

Over the past few years, Pettersson's performance has declined sharply due to conflicts with teammates and waning confidence, causing his production on the ice to drop considerably. Despite some defensive improvements in the 2025-26 season, he remains far from replicating his exceptional 102-point season in 2022-23. Analyst Craig Button has drawn a parallel between Pettersson's current state and that of Jonathan Huberdeau, suggesting that Pettersson may never regain his peak level of dominance.

  • Pettersson signed a significant long-term contract with the Vancouver Canucks in recent years.
  • Over the past few years, Pettersson's performance has declined sharply.
  • Pettersson has tallied 34 points, including 13 goals and 21 assists, over 49 games this season.

The players

Elias Pettersson

A 27-year-old center for the Vancouver Canucks who has experienced a challenging period since signing a significant long-term contract, with his performance declining sharply due to conflicts with teammates and waning confidence.

Craig Button

A prominent NHL analyst who has expressed concerns regarding Pettersson's ability to return to his former elite status, drawing a parallel between Pettersson's current state and that of Jonathan Huberdeau.

Jonathan Huberdeau

An NHL player whose best days may be behind him, according to the analyst's comparison to Pettersson's situation.

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What they’re saying

“EP40 will find his game when EP40 decides to find his game, whenever that game is… I'll be straightforward with you—he might be the Vancouver Canucks' Jonathan Huberdeau. His best days may be behind him. Huberdeau is never going to get back to 115 points. I don't think EP40 is ever going to get back to being a dominant center. So you've got to accept: can he be a good second-line center? Can he be a 70-point player for us? That's the reality we have to live with.”

— Craig Button, Analyst (Donnie and Dhali show)

What’s next

Teams like Detroit, Buffalo, Carolina, Minnesota, and Utah have emerged as potential destinations for Pettersson, as a fresh start in a less pressured environment may aid in restoring his confidence and production on the ice.

The takeaway

Pettersson's decline has raised concerns about his ability to regain his elite status, with the analyst's comparison to Huberdeau suggesting that his best days may be behind him. However, a change of scenery could provide the opportunity needed to reignite his offensive abilities, though the outcome will likely influence the Canucks' roster decisions and future strategy.