The Canucks lost a big piece of their defence in free agency when Nikita Zadorov took his talents to the Bruins. The physical defenceman imposed respect on the team’s blueline, and it played a massive role in their playoff run.

Allvin tried to replace Nikita Zadorov in the best way he could by adding Derek Forbort and Vincent Desharnais. Still, there’s a reason why their cap hits, even combined, don’t equal the money Zadorov is getting.

There is light at the end of the tunnel; however, while they may have lost their big physical defender, the latest reports suggest his replacement may already be developing within the Canucks’ pipeline.

D-Petey: Zadorov’s replacement?

Must read on CanucksDaily

Dave Hall, Canucks Army Writer who covers the Abbotsford Canucks and the Canucks’ prospect, had plenty of opportunities to look at the team’s pipeline, and he identified D-Petey as the closest thing the team could land:

Losing Nikita Zadorov sucks. Luckily, the Vancouver #Canucks have their homegrown version marinating in Abbotsford next year.

Here are Elias Pettersson’s biggest hits from the 2023-24 campaign.

Big physical and not afraid to skate the puck, the 20-year-old stands tall at 6’04” and 210 pounds; he learns to police the ice and could be a modern-day Nikita Zadorov.

Ever since the Canucks landed him with 80th overall in the 2022 Draft, he’s been nothing short of a success. If he keeps on developing, he could make an impact at the NHL level very soon, hopefully as soon as 2025.