The Vancouver Canucks paid Elias Pettersson handsomely a few seasons ago. And it made a ton of sense at the time. Pettersson was a 100-point scorer and one of the more effective playmakers in the game. Unfortunately, the offense has not been there for the Canucks star. But he is starting to make a big impact in other areas of the ice.

Pettersson is starting to become an important defensive presence. Head coach Adam Foote has deployed him in the defensive zone just as much as he has in the offensive zone. Moreover, he is blocking shots at a higher rate than he previously has. He currently has 31 shot blocks in 15 games, which is more than any other forward in the league.

“Some bruises, but it would hurt a lot more if the puck went in (our net),” Pettersson said about his improved def

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