The NHL Trade Deadline is not coming up until March 7, but the Penguins need to go ahead and trade defenseman Marcus Pettersson while they are at it. He's got value as a top 4 defenseman for the Penguins, and the longer they wait, the lower his value is. Yes he just returned from an injury long ago, but he does not look right, and the Penguins need to go ahead and send his services elsewhere.
Possible suitors for Pettersson
The Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers so far have been named as teams that could be potential suitors for Pettersson's services. And if you're going to trade Pettersson to either of these teams, your asking price has to start with a young NHL ready player.
The Canucks currently have one of those that needs a fresh start somewhere else. His name is Nils Hoglander and could fit perfectly in the Penguins top six now and into the future. The Penguins should also ask for at least a third-round pick if not a second to go along with a young NHL ready player.
From the Oilers you could try asking for Matthew Savoie since the Penguins need young centers, but it is very doubtful that the Oilers keep Dubas on the line if he asks for him. The Penguins could always try asking Edmonton for Vasily Podkolzin and at least a third and see if they listen.
Regardless these suitors could possibly have what the Penguins want in a trade for Marcus Pettersson.
Trading Pettersson makes way for Brunicke after this season
The Penguins recent second-round pick from the 2024 draft was defenseman Harrison Brunicke. Brunicke shined in the preseason for the Penguins but it was the fact that they did not want to burn a year of his entry-level contract already, despite looking really good in limited preseason games.
But once you trade Pettersson, it will make way for a roster spot to open up for next season and Brunicke should be able to take hold of it.