"We are very happy to have Elias sign with us as he takes another step forward in his hockey career," said Allvin. "We really liked the year he had on the ice in both representing his country at the World Juniors and playing important minutes in the SHL. Our development team is excited about the opportunity to continue to work with him and create a stronger relationship and partnership, building upon his already strong desire to learn and compete."
Pettersson, 19, spent the majority of the 2022.23 season with Örebro HK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), registering seven points (1-6-7) and six penalty minutes in 43 regular season games, while also ranking fifth on the team in plus-minus (+6). He also appeared in all 13 playoff games for Örebro, helping them defeat Timrå IK in seven games to reach the SHL Semifinals.
The 6'2", 185-pound left-shot defenceman also played 14 regular season games for Örebro HK J20 of the J20 Nationell junior league as an alternate captain, collecting 15 points (5-10-15), 10 penalty minutes, and a +1 rating. Despite ranking ninth for games played by defencemen on the team, Pettersson placed third in goals, assists, and points among blueliners.
During his draft eligible season in 2021.22, Pettersson posted 18 points (10-8-18) and 38 penalty minutes in 37 regular season games before leading the entire team in playoff scoring with 10 points (2-8-10) and registering a team-high +12 plus/minus rating in six postseason contests. He also previously spent time with Örebro HK J18, recording 26 points (8-18-26) in 21 games over parts of two seasons.
A native of Västerås, Sweden, Pettersson represented his country at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championships and won gold at the 2022 U18 World Championship, appearing in all six games. He also earned silver at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, recording two points (1-1-2) and a +5 rating in five games.
Pettersson was originally selected by Vancouver in the third round, 80th overall, at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
