Pettersson: I haven't met Canucks' expectations yet

Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson knows he needs to improve his play to live up to his $11.6-million cap hit.

"I haven't had the start (to the season) that I wanted to," Pettersson told Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre. "At the end of the day, I have expectations from the club, and, obviously, I haven't met them yet. But, I mean, it doesn't matter what people say. I know what I can do, and that's what I'm focusing on doing."

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin backed Pettersson in December but scrutinized his recent play and didn't rule out the potential for a trade.

"I know I can do better," Pettersson said. "I will be the first one to say it, and I never think things will get easier."

Pettersson has 10 goals and 28 points in 34 games this season. The Swede struggled in the playoffs last spring, tallying only one goal and six points in 13 contests. He's currently sidelined with an undisclosed injury.

The 26-year-old admitted he's aware of recent trade talk amid an apparent rift with teammate J.T. Miller.

"But then it's like, can I control it? No," Pettersson said. "So that's where I'm at. I'm trying not to think about it. But I'm sure it will go away if I play better and if we win."

Pettersson signed an eight-year, $92.8-million extension with the Canucks in March. He made it clear he wants his future to remain in Vancouver.

"That's why I signed here," he said. "Of course."

Pettersson is trying to look ahead to improve his game rather than focus on his past performances.

"I'm always trying to be the best player I can be every game," Pettersson said. "Some games are going to be better than others (but) every day is a new day and now that I'm back playing, I'm excited.

"I'm trying to not live in the past. Obviously, I wish I had played a lot better. I wished I played a lot of games better. But I've tried to learn to not play too much in the past and just try to focus on what I can do better. What's happened in the past and my play doesn't matter. I'm just trying to look forward to what's ahead."