Penguins Rumors: Contract Talks Stalling With Marcus Pettersson
Pettersson, 28, is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and his future with the team is increasingly uncertain. A reliable presence on the Penguins’ blue line, Pettersson has been the subject of trade speculation as general manager Kyle Dubas continues reshaping the roster.
“You’ve got to keep it out of your mind and just play the game,” Pettersson said about the ongoing rumors. “That’s what I’m going to focus on.”
I would fully part ways with Marcus Pettersson, Rutger McGroarty and something else the Canucks would want for Elias Pettersson. I still feel like that's not enough but getting this done without a 1st is hard. I don't want the Pens giving up any future 1st's.
— nhlpens (@nhlpens) January 5, 2025
Pettersson returned to action on New Year’s Eve after missing six games with a lower-body injury but struggled in a 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, being on the ice for three goals against.
Reflecting on his performance, he admitted, “I’ve got to be better.” While his steady play in recent seasons has made him a valuable asset, his contract situation and the team’s priorities under Dubas leave his future in question.
Similar to how the Penguins handled Jake Guentzel’s situation last season—ultimately trading him after failed extension talks—Pettersson could be moved before the March 7 trade deadline if no agreement is reached.
#LetsGoPens Marcus Pettersson doesn't play as well as he can, especially on-ice defense stats got worse. A year ago he played at a $6m level and could sign an extension with a salary rise cause it would be hard to sign such a def on the market. Now trading him looks more likely https://t.co/TlO0d9DPUZ pic.twitter.com/1n4I1QYZ0P
— Benchrates (@benchrates) January 5, 2025
With 13 points in 35 games this season, and averaging 21:51 time on ice per game, Pettersson remains a big part of the team, but his fate may depend on Dubas’s strategy to accumulate future assets, according to Kingerski.
Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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