2021 Flames Top 25 Under 25: #16 – Emilio Pettersen

#16 – Emilio Pettersen

Position: Centre/Left Wing

Age: 21

Team: Stockton Heat (AHL)

Stats: 6 Goals and 8 Assists in 29 Games

Drafted in 2018, Round 6, Pick 167

2020 Ranking: #15 (-1)

If there’s one thing specifically about the game of Emilio Pettersen, it is that he is an extremely gifted offensive player. He had a very respectable first professional season with the Stockton Heat this past year and looks poised to easily surpass his totals as he returns this year.

Among other traits, Pettersen was really able to leverage his speed this year in the AHL, scoring a number of very nice breakaway goals and becoming a strong player at both ends of the ice. He has drawn comparisons to Andrew Mangiapane for both his skill and his work ethic as the season continued.

Pettersen also suited up for Team Norway at this year’s World Hockey Championships, scoring one goal in six games. However he did not join Norway for the Olympic qualifying tournament which the team lost, meaning he won’t be at Beijing this year.

With another season of development and hard work in the AHL, it isn’t far fetched all to see Pettersen possibly getting an NHL look at some point either this year or next. The hype surrounding him at various times has been well-earned and he is certainly an exciting prospect to watch. Hopefully he can find another stride this year with a more regular and lengthy schedule in Stockton.

by Michael MacGillivray