Marcus Pettersson is optimistic about the cultural shift happening with the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks. "We work hard every day and we have fun doing it," he shared, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game without feeling overwhelmed.
Speaking after Thursday’s morning skate at Rogers Arena, ahead of their clash with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pettersson reflected on their recent 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers. The Canucks are navigating the post-trade deadline phase with a young roster, and for many players, it’s their first experience of this kind.
Pettersson, at 29, is embracing the opportunity to build something new with the team. "It starts now.
We don’t wait around," he asserted, highlighting the daily commitment to hard work and enjoyment.
Pettersson joined the Canucks just before last season’s trade deadline from the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played alongside legends like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson. Now, with 589 games under his belt, Pettersson is a veteran presence on a team leaning into its rebuild.
Alongside Filip Hronek, 27, Pettersson is anchoring Vancouver’s defense, mentoring younger talents like Victor Mancini, Elias Pettersson, Tom Willander, and Zeev Buium. These four have a combined 249 NHL games as of Thursday morning.
Reflecting on his time with the Penguins, Pettersson said, "I’ve been around great leadership. I take what I can from that but stay true to myself."
He aims to lead by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic that the younger players can emulate. "I want to show the work ethic and put my best foot forward," he added.
The Canucks have faced challenges with consistency, a common hurdle for a team with limited experience. Pettersson acknowledged, "Our highs and lows have been too great," but he remains focused on fostering a positive and hardworking environment as they continue to grow.