The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks have gotten out to related begins this season, each taking part in properly sufficient to be in playoff rivalry however not robust sufficient to be seen as contenders early on within the season. The Oilers have posted a 9-8-2 file via their first 19 video games and sit simply outdoors of a playoff spot, whereas the Canucks are tied for third within the Pacific Division with a 9-5-3 file via their first 17 video games.
Associated: Oilers’ Bouchard Nonetheless Anticipated to Obtain Huge Extension Regardless of Sluggish Begin
Each groups have been inconsistent to start out the 2024-25 marketing campaign and haven’t fairly discovered the dominance that they had at occasions final season, however each of their greatest points have been their lack of depth defensively. With each groups making modifications to their blue traces this previous offseason, they’re each eyeing the identical defender to assist bolster their lineup.
Pittsburgh Penguins’ defender Marcus Pettersson has been gaining commerce curiosity from each the Oilers and Canucks not too long ago, in keeping with a latest report. Pettersson, who’s 28 years previous, is a left-shot defender from Skellefteå, Sweden. He was drafted within the second spherical of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Geese at thirty eighth total after a robust season in Sweden with Skellefteå AIK J20 the place he had 18 factors in 38 video games. He has established himself as a reliable defenceman on the NHL stage, so it must be no shock that groups have proven curiosity in buying him.
The Penguins are trending towards one other powerful season the place they’ll miss the playoffs and be sellers on the 2025 Commerce Deadline. Pettersson will likely be probably the most sought-after gamers contemplating groups want robust defensive depth to have an opportunity at making a run within the postseason. Each the Oilers and Canucks have struggled immensely in that regard, and bringing in a man like Pettersson may remedy that drawback heading into the playoffs. Relying on the asking value from the Penguins, this might result in a little bit of a bidding conflict between the 2 groups.
Pettersson has notched 15 targets and added 126 assists for 141 factors via 464 video games which comes out to a 0.30 points-per-game common. Whereas his offensive sport has by no means stood out as his greatest asset, he has established himself as a shutdown defender who might be trusted to play top-four minutes.
The Oilers have been biking via defenders and haven’t stored the identical lineup for almost all of their video games. Travis Dermott, Ty Emberson, and Troy Stecher have all cycled via their lineup taking part in completely different roles relying on the night time. The latest damage of Darnell Nurse exposes the necessity to enhance quick earlier than they discover themselves additional down the standings. With Evan Bouchard’s defensive play declining mixed with the shortage of depth on the blue line, the crew must act quick if they need any likelihood of creating a deep playoff run like final season.
The Canucks have discovered a bit extra success this season and have been stable to observe at occasions, besides they too have had some depth points defensively. Quinn Hughes hasn’t slowed down in any respect however followers have been involved with the play of Filip Hronek, in addition to the remainder of their depth defenders. Bringing in a man like Pettersson stabilizes that defensive core, and turns the Canucks into contenders if they’ll preserve their sport offensively.
Each groups going after Pettersson could be good, and he would match proper into each lineups. It is going to be a matter of who pays extra to deliver him in. The Canucks have a stronger prospect pool that they’ll leverage in commerce negotiations which may give them a bonus over the Oilers, however time will inform which crew decides to pay extra for him.
Because the 2024-25 season strikes alongside, be sure you proceed following The Hockey Writers as your supply for information from across the NHL and the hockey world.
