Vancouver Canucks are now competing with the Edmonton Oilers for shut-down defenceman

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Patrick Frost
November 13, 2024 (8:08 PM)

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Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyles Dubas has recently announced a fire sale, stating his entire team is up for grabs with the exception of Sidney Crosby.

With that being said, Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Marcus Pettersson has been linked to the Edmonton Oilers for a few months now.

It's no secret by now that GM Stan Bowman is currently shopping around for a shut-down top 4 D-man, preferably with a right hand shot.

As it stands, the NHL market is completely depleted with blue-liners who fit that description. The Oilers are a fairly tight salary cap to navigate, and Marcus Pettersson is an enticing option with a moderately low price-tag associated to him.

While the idea of trading for Pettersson sounds appealing, the Vancouver Canucks have just thrown a curve ball at the Oilers.

According to NHL pundit Frank Seravalli, the Canucks have also expressed interest in pursuing Marcus Pettersson.

According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Pettersson will be one of the most coveted defenceman around the entire league this trade deadline. The 28 year old Swedish defenceman has posted strong analytical results in the last few seasons, and is a pending free agent with a manageable $4.025M salary.

His career best season came last year with the Penguins, scoring 30 points and posting an impressive +28 on ice rating. Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas declared yesterday that the team has made everyone available for trade, and Pettersson will be at the top of most team's lists.
-Liam McCormick

Brett Kulak has emerged as one of the best defenders on the team this season. If he continues his stellar play, he could be promoted to the second pairing. This creates an open spot on the third pairing with Ty Emberson, where Marcus Pettersson could be a perfect fit.