Vancouver Canucks Defensive Target Marcus Pettersson Made Available For Trade by Pittsburgh Penguins

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Cooper Godin
November 12, 2024 (1:21 PM)

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A potential defensive target for the Vancouver Canucks has reportedly been made available for trade.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are at a bit of a crossroads. Kyle Dubas trying his best to keep the team competitive for captain Sidney Crosby, but so far this season, the team hasn't played well whatsoever and Monday night's game against the Dallas Stars proved that they're not anywhere close to being a Stanley Cup contender.

Dallas scored SIX goals in the first period to propel them to a 7-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a horrible effort from Mike Sullivan's group from start to finish, but change could be coming soon.

Penguins reportedly make everyone except Sidney Crosby available for trade

As Kyle Dubas continues to try and figure out this season's plan going forward with the Penguins sitting at a 6-9-2 record, according to Taylor Haase of DK Pittsburgh Sports, the team is reportedly willing to move almost anyone on their roster, with the exception of Sidney Crosby.

"A league source told me earlier this week that Kyle Dubas has made it known to other teams that "everyone is available, except 87." Haase said.

Among those that are now available for Patrik Allvin, who they've been connected to already, is blueliner Marcus Pettersson. Pettersson is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st and would most likely be a rental for the Canucks if they were to acquire him, similar to Nikita Zadorov last season.

"For example, their most prominent pending free agent next summer is Pettersson, who wants to remain in Pittsburgh. But, as I wrote in Friday Insider last month, the Penguins have stayed no-contact with Pettersson's side, without even preliminary talks. That's because Dubas is looking to "protect all of our options" -- and one of those options remains moving on from bigger assets as they retool the team quickly." Haase said.

Josh Yohe of The Athletic also believes that Marcus Pettersson will likely be on his way out of Pittsburgh ahead of the March 7th trade deadline.

"What's the point in keeping Marcus Pettersson, Rickard Rakell and Lars Eller?

We all know they're getting traded by the deadline, especially Pettersson and Eller." Yohe said.

Pettersson, 28, has appeared in 17 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins this season where he's registered seven points (one goal, six assists), 15 penalty minutes and is a minus-five while averaging 22:08 TOI per night in 2024-25. The Skelleftea, Sweden native would be a great addition to the Canucks' roster, who are reportedly looking for an upgrade in their top-four.