In a significant move in the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins have traded defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Sonny Milano and rookie defenseman Kyle DeSharnais. This trade, announced on February 1, 2025, highlights the Penguins’ ongoing strategy to reshape their roster for the upcoming seasons. The 27-year-old Pettersson has been a steady presence on the Penguins’ blue line, appearing in 63 games last season, where he recorded 3 goals and 19 assists. He was originally acquired from the Anaheim Ducks during the 2019 offseason and has become an integral part of the Penguins’ defense. Forward Drew O’Connor, age 26, also contributed to the Penguins’ offense, scoring 6 goals and 8 assists in 46 games last season. In return, the Penguins are gaining Sonny Milano, a 29-year-old forward known for his strong offensive play, and rookie Kyle DeSharnais, who brings potential and energy to the Penguins roster. This trade reflects the Canucks’ desire to strengthen their defensive lineup ahead of the playoffs while also adding depth to their forward group. Canucks’ General Manager commented on the trade, stating, ‘We believe that adding a player of Pettersson’s caliber will fortify our defense and provide more options as we move toward the postseason.’ Analysts are keen to see how this trade impacts both teams as they progress through the season, with a focus on the Penguins’ defensive adjustments and the Canucks’ offensive strategy.
Penguins Trade Defenseman Marcus Pettersson and Forward Drew O’Connor to Canucks
