When the Ducks chose Pettersson with the 38th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, Director of Professional/Amateur Scouting Martin Madden knew patience would be a virtue. The club had the big picture in mind when they selected the lanky 6-4, 170-pound blueliner from Skellefteå of the Swedish Hockey League.
"If it takes three years, it takes three years," Madden said at the time, regarding Pettersson's progression to the pro level here in the States. "If it takes two, then it takes two. We're not in a hurry with him. We're going to do it the right way."
Madden and his staff know how to pick them, especially when it comes to defensemen. Cam Fowler, Josh Manson, Hampus Lindholm and Brandon Montour are mainstays on the Ducks blueline now and for the future, while players like Andy Welinski, Jaycob Megna and Jacob Larsson have all appeared in at least one NHL game. Prospect blueliner Josh Mahura, who is coming off a tremendous WHL career, could very well be next in line, while former Ducks defenseman Shea Theodore is a fixture on the Vegas Golden Knights.
Pettersson made his North American pro debut with the San Diego Gulls last season, recording 14 points (all assists) in 44 games. Recalled by the Ducks on February 13, Pettersson made his NHL debut two days later against the Chicago Blackhawks. He recorded a +2 rating in that game to become just the fifth Anaheim skater (second defenseman) in franchise history to record a +2 rating or higher in his NHL debut. The 22-year-old d-man finished his Ducks rookie campaign with four points (1g/3a) with a +5 rating in 22 games.
HIGHLIGHT
Video: CHI@ANA: Pettersson rifles home first career NHL goal
A first NHL goal is always an unforgettable moment in any player's career. For the young Pettersson, his milestone took place on March 4 against the same team he made his debut against. With the Ducks holding a 2-0 lead in the opening minutes of the second period, Pettersson sent a seeing-eye shot on goal from the left point that sailed over goaltender Anton Forsberg's right shoulder. Before it even made it to Forsberg, the puck somehow made its way through three players in close quarters - teammates Derek Grant and Jason Chimera, and Blackhawks defenseman Jordan Oesterle.
The usually mild-mannered Pettersson couldn't help but smile as his teammates congratulated him on his goal in his eighth career NHL game. Anaheim went on to win, 6-3.
"Joy. Just complete joy," he said after the game. "It was a great game. Fun time to score your first [goal]."
OUTLOOK
There will be a healthy competition for a couple of spots on Anaheim's blueline, especially with the addition of veterans Luke Schenn and Andrej Sustr and depth defenseman Korbinian Holzer in the mix. Larsson also figures to get a long look during training camp and preseason. Whether Pettersson makes the Ducks out of camp remains to be seen, but the future appears bright for one of Anaheim's top young blueliners.
UPDATE
According to Lindholm, Pettersson often goes by the nickname "Dragon," though reasons behind said nickname remain unknown.
