Canucks Injury Blow: Elias Pettersson Unlikely to Return For Remaining Season

As the Vancouver Canucks approach their final five games of the season, the chances of Elias Pettersson returning to the lineup appear increasingly slim.

During Hockey Night in Canada’s Saturday Headlines segment, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Pettersson may not play again this spring after suffering an upper-body injury against the New York Rangers on March 22nd. 

Connor McDavid and Elias Pettersson injury updates, Zayne Parekh potentially joining the Flames, and more on Saturday Headlines with @FriedgeHNIC 📰 pic.twitter.com/43ZPbGgkcQ

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 6, 2025

The Swedish center has been sidelined since, and while his teammate Nils Höglander—who was also sent home early from the team’s road trip—returned to action Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights, Pettersson remains without a clear timeline for recovery.

Friedman noted that while Pettersson “has not given up hope on playing this year,” an unnamed source suggested it’s “unlikely” he’ll return before season’s end. “Right now, at best, it’s fair to say that’s uncertain,” Friedman added—a sentiment that also reflects Pettersson’s turbulent 2024-25 campaign.

After signing an eight-year, $11.6 million AAV extension last March, Pettersson has struggled to meet expectations, posting just 45 points (15 goals, 30 assists) in 64 games—his lowest full-season output to date. 

His injury came at an especially frustrating time, as he had begun to regain his point-per-game form with 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in his previous eight games. Had he stayed healthy, it’s unclear whether that resurgence would have continued through the season’s final stretch.

With Vancouver’s regular season concluding on April 16th in a rematch against Vegas, the question now is whether Pettersson will take the ice again before the fall. 

Image - Bob Frid-Imagn