Canadian Contenders Linked to Top 4 Penguins Defenseman as Trade Talks Intensify
An NHL insider has linked one of the Penguins top 4 defensemen to the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks as trade talks begin to heat up.
According to Josh Yohe in 'The Athletic', Marcus Pettersson is likely on his way out after the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman's contract extension talks have broken down.
Given his upcoming unrestricted free-agent status, his departure from Pittsburgh seems like a formality.
Even as a rental, there will be no shortage of suitors for Marcus Pettersson as he has established himself over the years as a reliable defender. The lack of any no-trade clauses in his contract means he is also an easy piece for the Penguins to move.
- Josh Yohe
Of the teams likely to be in pursuit, Josh Yohe mentions the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks as leaders for the 28-year-old. Here's a deeper dive into how he might fit with each club.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have been in the market for a high-impact defenseman since losing Philip Broberg to an offer sheet last summer.
With the resurgence of Darnell Nurse on the second pairing this year, Edmonton's outlook on 'D' got a little better, but adding in Pettersson shores up that blue line even more.
Such a deal would go a long way toward completing a playoff-ready roster by improving the depth on the back for the Oilers.
Vancouver Canucks
Another intriguing situation is with the Canucks. That organization has definitely kicked the tires on trading key players like J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson, but GM Patrik Allvin appears laser-focused on improving the organization's defensive corps first and foremost.
Adding Marcus Pettersson would plug an important hole in Vancouver's lineup with Filip Hronek injured.
If Filip Hronek were to return, the Canucks would potentially boast a top-four on the back that is among the best, at least, in the Western Conference.
Each team presents an attractive destination for Pettersson, as both find themselves in a situation where he would be more than a complementary piece to their playoff hopes.
| POLL | ||
14 HOURS AGO | 165 ANSWERS Canadian Contenders Linked to Top 4 Penguins Defenseman as Trade Talks Intensify Where will Marcus Pettersson end up? | ||
