Canucks draft Elias Pettersson's namesake with 80th overall pick
The Vancouver Canucks drafted Elias Pettersson with the 80th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Yes, you read that right. No, Vancouver's superstar forward did not re-enter the draft five years later. Instead, The Canucks picked a Swedish blue-liner with the exact same name as the fifth overall pick from 2017.
The new Pettersson entered the draft as Central Scouting's 37th-ranked European Skater. The 6-foot-2 rearguard suited up for Orebro's under-18, under-20, and top-flight squads this season. He was most productive at the under-20 level, racking up 18 points in 37 games. Pettersson also won a gold medal with Sweden at the under-18s.
The 18-year-old says he's never met Vancouver's incumbent Elias Pettersson.
It's hard to blame the Canucks for their strategy Friday. Historically, Elias Petterssons have been terrific for the franchise, with the first winning a Calder Trophy and racking up 221 points in 245 career games.
We can only hope the two Petterssons share the ice someday.