The top-line center has missed 11 games with an upper-body injury after originally thought to have a day-to-day timeline. The Canucks had their game against the Calgary Flames postponed Wednesday because two Vancouver players and a member of its coaching staff were in NHL COVID-19 protocol.
Forward Adam Gaudette was added to the protocol list Tuesday. Coach Travis Green said Gaudette left practice that day after it was learned he tested positive. Forward Jake Virtanen did not practice because of illness.
"Definitely was more serious than we thought originally," Green said Tuesday of Pettersson's injury. "We didn't think it was going to be this long. It hasn't gotten any better to a point where he can play yet and I still think he's going to be out for a few more games at least."
Pettersson scored 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 26 games this season, including 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in his last 14 games. He hasn't played since March 2 against the Winnipeg Jets; he took part in a morning skate two days later but left early and hasn't joined the team since.
Green said Pettersson is skating on his own and that surgery isn't a concern.
"Not yet," Green said. "We feel like he's going to make a recovery."
Forward Travis Boyd had been expected to make his Canucks debut Wednesday after being claimed off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 22. Boyd had to quarantine for seven days and practiced with Vancouver for the first time Tuesday. He was on the third line and second power-play unit.
Boyd scored eight points (three goals, five assists) in 20 games for Toronto this season and has scored 39 points (11 goals, 28 assists) in 105 NHL games with the Washington Capitals and Maple Leafs.
"I've been on some good teams with a lot of good players, and it's been hard for me to move up the lineup or even stay in the lineup consistently," Boyd said. "I truthfully do believe I am an everyday NHL player, and this is a big opportunity."
