DETROIT - After having to defend one of the best players in the league in Edmonton's Connor McDavid their previous game, the Detroit Red Wings must deal with a budding star in Vancouver rookie Elias Pettersson tonight.
Pettersson dominated the Swedish League last season and has made a splash in just nine NHL games, with nine goals and 15 points.
The Red Wings (4-8-2) face the Canucks (9-6-0), an early season surprise, tonight at Little Caesars Arena (7:30, Fox Sports Detroit).
Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said saw Pettersson on TV earlier this season and thought, "How does a guy that size (6-2, 176) create space the way he creates space?