Canucks' Tocchet calls out Elias Pettersson: 'I think he's waiting for something, lacks confidence'

The Vancouver Canucks have been through a lot this season, and even after J.T Miller was finally moved to the New York Rangers, all eyes are on Elias Pettersson, and his struggles.

After Sunday's 2-1 loss to Utah HC, head coach Rick Tocchet spoke to Sportsnet and didn't mince his words when asked what is wrong with Elias Pettersson. 

“We've talked about he has to move his feet, and can't double clutch (with the puck),” Canucks coach Rick Tocchet told Sportsnet Sunday night after his main press scrum had ended. “I think he's waiting for something. I don't know if it's a lack of confidence in his shot, but as soon as he has room, he's got to take it and . . . just got to blast it. I'd rather him just rip a puck right now. He's not moving his feet. I thought today, some shifts he was moving his feet and it looked like we had some glimpses. But six-on-five there at the end, it's the same thing, waiting. If he just takes three or four strides . . . I don't know if it's a mental block right now, all year, but he's got to move his feet.”

Pettersson, 26, is signed for $11.6 million AAV through the 2031-32 season, however, his trade protection doesn't kick in until this summer, so there's still rumblings GM Patrik Allvin is open to trade offers on his struggling star. Pettersson has appeared in 51 games this season, recording 35 points. For the money, it's frankly not good enough.

As far as potential landing spots if the Canucks make another bold move, the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Chicago Blackhawks have all be suggested as realistic trade partners, along with the Buffalo Sabres.

Photo credit:  Bob Frid-Imagn Images