Let’s be honest. The Vancouver Canucks ’ quest for a support centre — long before Filip Chytil succumbed to what appears to be his sixth career concussion Sunday to put his season and career in jeopardy — was built on the hope that Elias Pettersson would rebound from a sour, drama-filled, 15-goal season and return to a place of prominence.

And while his defensive awareness, penalty-kill presence, power-play potential, and willingness to block shots are encouraging, they have always been part of his game. What’s missing is offence. He has teased with quick releases and a heavy slapper, but one goal and 10 shots through seven games doesn’t scream No. 1 centre.

And neither does a poor 40.9 per cent success rate in faceoffs. First-line pivots dominate all facets of the game.

It is why t

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