I was on my computer, leaning against the wall outside of the Canucks road dressing room in Seattle last week, and I watched Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser walk by together.
I usually speak briefly with the kid from Minnesota when I see him, but didn’t on this occasion as I was awaiting head coach Rick Tocchet, who appeared moments later for a lengthy walk and talk.
I also sat silently because a number of things ran through my head. “Just how tight are these guys?” “Quinn Hughes is ‘Petey’s’ buddy, so what’s the pecking order, if you will?”
I just enjoyed the two of them chatting together, being pals, and wondered what it meant for the future of the hockey club. All of these thoughts raced through my mind in a matter of seconds.
Friday afternoon, following the trade deadline, both remain Vancouver Canucks. I’m not surprised at all.
If one were to go, for me, it would have been UFA Boeser, despite the fact that he loves it here and he’s essentially in his prime.
Petey was never going anywhere. Some of the media doesn’t have to worry about “what he would have done with a different team after finding his game,” because it didn’t happen. Among other things, there are $11.6-million reasons a season why a deal wasn’t made. The hand wringing can end.
I think Pettersson is ready for a resurgence. He showed signs of it in the victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Whether on the scoreboard or not, Petey seemed much more confident, aggressive, and willing to shoot the puck. Previously this season, he’s been tentative, at times almost seemingly ‘afraid’.
Low self confidence can be ugly.
His self disclosure with some of the media the other day seemed to serve as a cleanse, and the trade deadline is behind us.
I think Petey will be at his best, on near it, moving forward, and I think the Canucks are a playoff team. That of course will come down to one other biggee … goaltending. As always.
Most NHL stars have seasons when they’re not at their best. That’s hockey.
Petey will be fine. All a part of the ebbs and flows, the all important confidence, chemistry, and camaraderie elements that make up the game.
