Jan 31st 2025
The trade
The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded Defenseman Marcus Pettersson and Forward Drew O’Connor to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for D Vincent Desharnais, F Danton Heinen, F Melvin Fernström and a 2025 1st round pick
What does this mean for the Pens?
The Penguins get to move pending UFA’s in Pettersson and O’Connor who were set to hit free agency this summer. Pettersson is a really good defensive defenseman and losing him for free would have hurt the pens.
The Penguins are also able to get 2 very serviceable players in Desharnais (28) and Heinen (29). Heinen is making his return to Pittsburgh after playing 2 seasons for the Pens between 2021 and 2023. He was a fan favorite during his first tenure in the Berg and many fans were upset when they let him walk in free agency in 2023. Desharnais brings physicality to the Penguins and is expected to play on the 3rd pairing.
Both players are UFA’s in 2026 so expect them to be traded next season at the deadline. Desharnais was part of the Oilers run to the Stanley Cup finals in 2024. The Penguins acquired 2 very solid trading chips.
Melvin Fernström is a prospect who is currently playing in the SHL as an 18 year old. Drafted in the 3rd round by the Canucks in 2024. Don’t expect to see Fernström in a Penguins uniform anytime soon as the 18 year old is still years away from being NHL ready. To find out more about Melvin Fernström check out our prospects page: (View Here)
The Penguins also acquired a 2025 1st round pick from the Canucks. That pick originally belonged to the New York Rangers who delt the pick to Vancouver for TJ Miller. The pick is top 13 protected and the Rangers are currently in 22nd place (11th overall). If the rangers don’t improve to 19th place or higher then the pick would transfer over to 2026. There is also the draft lottery to take into considerations. Either way the Penguins have added a 1st round pick which never hurts.
The Penguins are building for the future. Moving players on expiring deals for picks and prospects while also getting players on short term contracts that can easily be flipped for more picks and prospects next year. This is only the beginning as Dubas will look to make more moves. To find out more about potential trading chips check out or Trade Bait page: (View Here)
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