Boeser Says Pettersson Is In A Better Headspace Entering Canucks Camp

Brock Boeser has watched Elias Pettersson's decline from a few feet away. At this week's NHL/NHLPA player media tour, he said what he is seeing now looks different.

"Seems like he's in a great headspace," Boeser said of the 27-year-old Swedish centre. "Way better than the last few years."

That matters in Vancouver because almost nothing else about the organization looks the way it did a year ago. Henrik and Daniel Sedin were promoted to co-presidents of hockey operations this offseason, Ryan Johnson took over as general manager, and Manny Malhotra was hired as head coach. The Canucks finished last in the overall standings, and captain Quinn Hughes was traded to the Minnesota Wild.

Pettersson's numbers have gone the wrong way since he signed an eight-year, $92.8 million extension carrying an $11.6 million average annual value and a full no-movement clause. He put up 51 points in 74 games last season with 15 goals, his second straight 15-goal year. Before the deal he averaged 1.03 points per game. Since, 0.70.

Boeser, 29 and signed through 2031-32, framed the coaching and management overhaul as a reset for his teammate.

"It's just a fresh start," he said. "He really needs to take advantage of it... try and put everything aside and just focus on what he can do."

Boeser also expects to carry more of the room himself with a young roster arriving for camp next week.

"I have to take a big step in that role," he said. "Be a guy that the younger guys can lean on and talk to, be there for them and set an example."

On Malhotra, who played with the Sedins in Vancouver and spent the last two seasons coaching the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks: "High on work ethic. He's going to hold you accountable."

As for Caleb Malhotra, the coach's son and Vancouver's No. 3 pick in June who heads to Boston University this season, Boeser admitted he does not know much yet. "I heard he's a stud."