Elias Pettersson suffering from mental and psychological problems per NHL analyst

An NHL analyst believes Elias Pettersson is suffering from mental and psychological problems, which would explain his slow start, and doesn't believe it's an injury.

Through four games this season, Elias Pettersson has had an underwhelming start to the 2024-25 season for one who was supposed to guide the Canucks into another playoff berth. A record of 1-1-2 has seen his personal season mimic that of the sluggish start by the team. As Vancouver's best player, more was expected from him, especially with his big new contract in play.

He inked an eight-year, $92.8 million deal last March to become the highest-paid Canuck, but so far his production hasn't matched that status: one point through four games, and people are starting to wonder if he's earning his pay grade. What's more concerning is that this recent lack of output isn't a new problem; it actually dates back to last season, shortly after he signed the extension.

Through the first half of the 2023-24 campaign, Pettersson was on absolute fire, where he amassed 64 points in 49 games. He seemed like a lock to surpass his career-high of 102 points. However, from that point forward, his season completely spiraled downhill, where he mustered just 31 points in his final 46 games. His struggles led into the playoffs, where he scored just six points in 13 games, and questions flooded about what had changed.

There are a lot of theories as to why Pettersson has fallen off. Some people believe he is bugged down by his new contract and maybe cannot handle the pressure. Others believe that it could be a knee injury he showed at the end of last season. While the Canucks have downplayed the injury, there's a possibility that in his head, Pettersson is still a little afraid of the injury, which ultimately might impact his confidence and, in turn, his game. This could also be a sort of mental block where he is playing safe and not being himself on the ice. It could all be psychological, as per Paul Taylor of The Canuck Way.

There is merit to concerns over the recent performance of the talented Elias Pettersson, but it's way too early to give up on him now. He has flashed his skill in years past both in the NHL and internationally, and with time should get used to the pressures of his new contract or completely recover from that injury. Should the doubts fall off him, he very well may regain his form. If he does, there is every reason to believe he can again lead Vancouver to success this season.

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