The Vancouver Canucks took two points last night against the Calgary Flames, but along with Tyler Myers missing the game, they may be out another defenseman. Elias Pettersson (D) missed the majority of the game after being on the receiving end of an elbow by Flames forward Connor Zary. After having a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety today, Zary was assessed a two-game suspension.
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“On this play Zary sees a teammate take a hard but legal check and responds intentionally in retribution by delivering a hit with an extended elbow, which makes significant head contact,” the NHL DOPS said of the suspension after the hearing.
Pettersson did not come out for the second or third periods, and it was later confirmed by the Canucks that he would not be returning to the game. The 21-year-old, who was selected 80th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, made his NHL debut this year on January 25 against the Washington Capitals. He has played in 15 games and recorded two assists. His development throughout this season was ultimately the catalyst that let Vancouver move on from defender Carson Soucy.
Pettersson’s absence comes at a time when the Canucks have only just welcomed back their captain, Quinn Hughes. As the team makes a push for the playoffs, they’ll need as many healthy bodies as possible to help them compete.
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