When the Vancouver Canucks brought in Evander Kane, it wasn’t just about adding another scorer or an experienced veteran. It was also about chemistry—finding the right linemates who could elevate one another. Kane has been around long enough to know when a teammate has taken a step forward, and his early comments about Elias Pettersson suggest he sees something different in Vancouver’s franchise centre this fall.
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Pettersson, according to Kane in the video below, is entering the season with “a slightly different attitude.” That’s not just a throwaway remark. For a player who already has the skill, vision, and hockey IQ to drive a top line, an edge in mindset could be the difference between being very good and being dominant. And Kane sounds like he wants to be part of helping that transformation take root.
Evander Kane Brings a Unique Perspective and Edge
Kane has always carried himself with a certain edge. In Edmonton, he built a reputation as a player who wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work—protecting Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, pushing back when opponents tried to bully, and still finding ways to chip in on the scoreboard. He sees a similar opportunity in Vancouver with Pettersson.
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In his own words, Kane talked about creating space, opening lanes, and letting skilled players do what they do best. That’s something he’s comfortable with. He knows his physical presence draws attention, and that attention buys his linemates extra time. Pettersson isn’t the kind of player who thrives when bogged down in battles along the wall or pushed around in the slot. He thrives when he has room, and Kane knows how to give him that.
On Paper, Kane and Pettersson Represent a Complementary Fit
On paper, the pairing makes sense. Pettersson brings speed, vision, and one of the more deceptive shots in the league. He sees plays before they develop, and he can finish from distance or set up a teammate with a pass no one else saw coming. Kane, meanwhile, thrives on direct, north-south hockey. He drives to the net, wins pucks in tough areas, and isn’t shy about laying a heavy hit on the forecheck.
Together, they could balance one another. Pettersson can float into open ice knowing Kane is…
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