Pens get a big package in return from the Canucks
The Penguins have traded defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor to the Vancouver Canucks. In exchange, Pittsburgh gets a boatload back: the Rangers’ first round pick, forward Danton Heinen, right-handed shot defender Vincent Desharnais and 18-year old Swedish prospect Melvin Fenstrom (Vancouver’s third round pick in 2024).
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
The Canucks made a deal earlier today to acquire a first round pick from the New York Rangers. They didn’t hold on it long, flipping it straight over to the Penguins.
The Athletic’s Josh Yohe gave some insight on what Jim Rutherford was thinking:
Just talked with GMJR. He confirmed the Canucks sent the Rangers’ first round pick to Pittsburgh for Marcus Pettersson. “It was just something that made sense for us.”
Much more to come.— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) February 1, 2025
Pettersson was acquired by Pittsburgh in December 2018 for forward Daniel Sprong by current Vancouver President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford. Petterseon has been a part of the team’s defensive core since then, including serving as a key defenseman since the start of the 2022-23 season, and previously played under Canucks coach Rick Tocchet while he was a member of the Pens’ coaching staff.
The Penguins sit in 15th place in the Eastern Conference currently. Pettersson, a pending unrestricted free agent this summer, was one of the most publicized and notable players believed to be available ahead of the March trade deadline.
Heinen, 29, played for the Pens from 2021-23. After leaving Pittsburgh as a free agent he had a successful season in Boston last year (17 goals and 19 assists in 74 games) but only has six goals in 51 games this season with the Canucks. Heinen is signed for this season and next year at a $2.25 million cap hit.
Desharnais, 28, who we mentioned around Christmas might be an intriguing target for the Pens, will help to add depth for Pittsburgh’s blue line. The 6’7”, 226 pound defender gives the Pens a badly needed right-shot option for their third pair. Desharnais is signed for this season and next year at a $2.0 million cap hit, he appeared in 16 playoff games last season with the Edmonton Oilers.
Fenstrom, a right winger listed at 6’0” and 187 pounds per hockeydb has eight points (3G+5A) playing in the top professional league in Sweden for Orebro. The 18-year old is currently unsigned to an NHL contract and was selected 93rd overall in last year’s draft.
The Rangers added a provision to protect their first round pick, if the selection falls in the top-13, NYR keeps the pick this year and it becomes an unprotected first round pick in 2026, which the Pens will now pick up owning the rights on.