Elias Pettersson injury: Canucks HC Adam Foote shares concerning update on upper-body issue

Vancouver Canucks head coach Adam Foote shared an update on Elias Pettersson and his upper-body injury. Pettersson has missed seven games this season, and in his 28 games, he has eight goals and 22 points. These totals still lead the team after former Canucks captain Quinn Hughes' trade to the Minnesota Wild.

The update came from Thomas Drance of The Athletic. He mentioned that, according to Foote, Pettersson may have tweaked or jammed something. This issue has delayed his return longer than expected.

"Adam Foote suggested that Elias Pettersson (the centre) tweaked or jammed something in regards to his upper-body injury, which is why his return has been delayed. #Canucks hopeful that he’ll return after Christmas, but Foote sounded somewhat uncertain." Drance posted on X.

Pettersson took part in the morning skate on Monday. Still, he is likely ruled out against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday at 7:30 PM ET. The team hopes he can return after the Christmas break. This decision will extend his absence to eight straight games now, leaving the Canucks with little offensive depth.

Before his absence, Pettersson had registered 51 blocked shots and had 28 hits. Still, his impact has not matched expectations for a top center, considering he is signed on an 8-year, $92.8 million contract. This extension pays him an annual salary of $11.6 million, making him an overpay, since he struggled with just 45 points last season.

The Canucks' had entered the 2025-26 season with high hopes. However, they hit early roadblocks, leading to Hughes' trade. They have struggled all season, until the recent four-game stretch, in which they have won all. Surprisingly, it happened after Hughes trade and amid Pettersson's absence.

Still, the Cancuks sit at 15-17-3 and remain outside the playoff picture. Scoring has been their primary issues and their defense is not helping either. Locker room issues have affected chemistry, amid media attention on the franchise for the last two seasons.

Elias Pettersson had entered the 2025-26 season with improved fitness

Earlier in August, Elias Pettersson spoke about his offseason focus. After a major drop in his performance from his 102-point season in 2022-23, he accepted that the 2024-25 season did not meet his own standards.

"For myself, it's revenge. I'm not happy with last season." Pettersson said, via NHL.

Pettersson's main focus was on improving his body to help his play. He has previously commented about his genetics and not being physically strong. So, he built muscle this offseason.

"I've put on some [muscle]," Pettersson (6-foot-2, 176 pounds) said. "It's always about building your base strength - to get quicker on the ice. To gain a few pounds, get stronger in general, that's always the goal."

Elias Pettersson's knee and oblique issues have slowed his progress in recent seasons. And this season is no different. But he is expected to share the major offensive load once he returns.

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Edited by Ankit Kumar