Canucks Trade for Penguins’ Marcus Pettersson in Huge Deal

Elliotte Friedman is reporting on Friday night that the Vancouver Cnaucks are trading for defenseman Marcus Pettersson of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The deal, which includes several pieces, comes just hours after the Canucks moved. J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers.

Per Friedman: “Full deal: Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor from PIT to VCR for Danton Heinen, Vincent Desharnais, Melvin Fernstrom and the first-rounder acquired tonight from the Rangers.”

While losing Miller was a blow to the lineup, the Canucks are wasting no time after the deal trying to improve in other areas on the roster. Pettersson is a pending UFA and top-four defenseman. He was a popular name heading into the NHL trade deadline.

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the club has acquired defenceman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O'Connor from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Danton Heinen, defenceman Vincent Desharnais, the rights to forward Melvin… pic.twitter.com/WxHPGna29f

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) February 1, 2025

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With the Penguins reportedly open to moving anyone not named Sidney Crosby, speculation has linked Pettersson to teams in need of defensive reinforcements, including the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers.

He’s a steady left-handed defenseman who is known for his defensive reliability and puck-moving ability. Having played alongside elite blueliners like Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson, he has shown he can complement dynamic partners. That will serve the Canucks well in a top-four that has Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek. His $4.025 million cap hit was something the Canucks didn’t have to worry about after trading Miller’s contract.

Vincent Desharnais is a player the Canucks had decided they wanted to move on from. They tried to trade him earlier in the season and realized after signing him this summer that it wasn’t going to work out. Desharnais is making $2 million and has the rest of this season and next on his deal. @Jfresh writes, “Deharnais is a big physical defensive defenceman. 6’7 every time he steps on the ice, solid stick, somewhat mobile, and kills penalties. Just don’t expect him to do much with the puck.”

Danton Heinen is in the first year of a two-year contract that pays $2.25 million.

“We wish both Danton and Vinny all the best in Pittsburgh and thank them for their contributions this season,” said GM Patrik Allvin. “We are really happy to add to the depth of our team with the acquisitions of Marcus and Drew. Marcus has good size, reach, and makes solid decisions with the puck while Drew is an intelligent player with versatility and a bigger frame.”

The first-rounder from the Miller deal is one of the key pieces for the Penguins coming back. Pierre LeBrun writes that there is no salary retained in the trade. @Jfresh writes of O’Connor: “Drew O’Connor, acquired by VAN, is a speedy forechecking left winger. Chases down pucks and battles on the boards but his total lack of finishing touch made him a frustrating presence with the Pens’ Hall of Fame centres. Will probably slot effectively in a bottom six.”

More to come, including any news on salary retention. ..

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canucks, Rangers, Flames, Oilers, Maple Leafs