Elias Pettersson calls out his haters ahead of 2025-26 season

Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson is in Stockholm this week, taking part in Team Sweden's Olympic orientation camp where he caught up with NHL Swedish reporter Peter Ekholm.

Pettersson gave a very frank interview with Ekholm that sheds some light on exactly what went wrong in Vancouver last year.

"I know what I'm capable of," the 26 year old told Ekholm. "Actually, I haven't thought about it, but for myself it's revenge. I'm not happy with last season."

"I'm learning from what happened last year to be a more mature player going into [this season]," Pettersson said.

Revenge season incoming for EP40? You hear that haters? You listening, JT Miller?

"I've put on some [muscle]," Pettersson (6-foot-2, 176 pounds) said. "It's always about building your base strength, to get quicker on the ice. To gain a few pounds, get stronger in general, that's always the goal. But for me it's a bonus to gain a few pounds."

Looking forward, Pettersson is embracing his role as a leader on the Canucks despite a lot of chatter from hockey fans that he doesn't have leadership qualities.

"I'm trying to lead by example. But I know that I can become a better leader, in that aspect. I'm trying my best, but also trying to get better."

No doubt about it, the 2025-26 season will be a pivotal one for both Pettersson and the Canucks. Can he get this team back on track?