Insider Floats Trade Package for Penguins to Acquire Elias Pettersson

Elias Pettersson is one of the more interesting names to watch ahead of next Friday’s March 6 trade deadline. Not long ago, he was a superstar center coming off 102- and 89-point seasons. Two years later, his production has been cut in half, while his average annual salary has jumped up to $11.6 million.

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That contract significantly limits the number of suitors that can acquire his services, especially if the Canucks hope to make a move over the next seven days. As a result, we’ve heard Carolina, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Utah mentioned more than anyone in connection to Pettersson; however, on Friday, insider Jeff Marek floated a fascinating new landing spot: Pittsburgh.

Marek not only suggested the idea of the Penguins targeting Pettersson, but also outlined what a potential return package could look like.

Marek said:

“Would it make some sense for the Pittsburgh Penguins? Now we all know that Rutherford loves dealing with his old team, same as Patrik Allvin. And this would, of course, be predicated on Malkin not returning. But would something like a Horcoff, Girard, Novak, two second-rounders, and Pittsburgh takes Elias Pettersson — does that sound like it gets the deal done?”

The 27-year-old Pettersson is in year two of the aforementioned eight-year, $92.8 million extension signed with the Canucks in 2024. Offense has been harder to come by again in 2025-26, as he sits with 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) through 50 games.

Does Elias Pettersson Make Sense for the Penguins?

While Pittsburgh is undoubtedly equipped with an abundance of cap space and assets to make a move for Pettersson, it might not actually be something GM Kyle Dubas is all that interested in—especially at the price Marek speculated on.

Samuel Girard and second-round picks are certainly expendable, but they should—and likely will—be reluctant to part with Will Horcoff, and even Tommy Novak, for that matter, unless it’s for a bona fide young star. Pettersson just isn’t that anymore, and he comes with far too much risk for a rebuilding Penguins team to give up five assets in one deal.

Horcoff is one of Pittsburgh’s best prospects and has been tearing it up at Michigan this year, while Novak’s production isn’t all that dissimilar to Pettersson’s right now—and he only recently started playing full-time on a line with Evgeni Malkin.

If Dubas could land Pettersson at a reduced cost because of his struggles over the past two seasons, then absolutely, it’s something he would look into. That said, if he’s not buying low, he’s probably going to save those assets to swing bigger—possibly this offseason, as we’ve already heard with the Jason Robertson rumors.

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