Elias Pettersson could shift to wing for Vancouver Canucks in 2026-27

The Vancouver Canucks are weighing a positional change for Elias Pettersson next season.

Could Elias Pettersson play wing again?

Elias Pettersson could line up on the wing for the Vancouver Canucks in 2026-27. The Swedish center has spent most of his NHL career at center but is now open to a move back to the wing. The Canucks need offensive firepower after a 25-49 start that leaves them 16th in the Western Conference.

Why the Canucks are considering the move

Vancouver’s offense has sputtered since the All-Star break. Pettersson leads the team in points but the Canucks rank near the bottom in goals per game. A shift to wing would let the Canucks spread their top talent across two lines. Coach Rick Tocchet has already hinted at lineup experimentation as the roster rebuilds.

What Pettersson’s wing stint would mean

Pettersson’s versatility adds depth to the Canucks’ forward group. The 25-year-old has played wing in Sweden and during his rookie season in Vancouver. A second-line wing role could free up space for rookie phenom Connor Bedard to step into the top six. The Canucks open on September 20 against the Seattle Kraken with a five-game losing streak in tow.

When the Canucks will decide

The Canucks have two weeks left before training camp. Tocchet confirmed the team is exploring every option to spark the offense. Pettersson’s camp hasn’t commented on the potential switch. The decision could come before the Kraken tilt on September 20.