Mathias Emilio Pettersen was once on a path to stardom. A highlight compilation of Pettersen’s puck skills as a 10-year-old went viral. By the time he turned 15, he had committed to the University of Denver, one of the NCAA’s finest programs.



By the time the 2018 NHL Draft rolled around, the Pettersen hype had subdued. A slight frame, lack of pace and an underwhelming season allowed the Calgary Flames to select him 167th overall.



Not even a year later, and the Flames already look smart for taking a gamble of the skills of Pettersen. He almost looks like a different player. He’s still as skilled as always, but he’s playing with more speed, creativity and awareness.



Pettersen has been one of the NCAA’s best freshmen. He’s fourth among under-19 freshman scoring in the NCAA with 0.81 points per game, ahead of notable prospects like Oliver Wahlstrom, Blake McLaughlin and Ruslan Iskhakov.



Just like that viral video...