NHL Rumors: Marcus Pettersson And Edmonton’s Search For D

Marcus Pettersson And A Pittsburgh Dilemma

Rob Rossi of The Athletic: The Pittsburgh Penguins and Marcus Pettersson have several problems but the big one is the inevitable divorce between the parties. Kyle Dubas made little or no effort to extend Pettersson. Some argued against this anyway but a move seems more likely sooner than the end of the season.

The Penguins trade value is rather low right now and among their defensemen, it figures to not improve much in time. Dubas faces a time shortage here. If he does not make a move before the Christmas holiday freeze then a move is not likely coming until January.

Enough pundits and experts believe Pettersson’s play will improve once out of Pittsburgh. The Mike Sullivan coached team has flashes of good play sprinkled with abysmal games in longer stretches. It is a challenge to succeed in such a system.

NHL Rumors: Penguins, Canucks, Oilers, and more

Pittsburgh understands the time is short but is there a deal to be made? The market got sent into a little bit of flux with the Jacob Trouba trade on Friday.

So, the question begs itself. Do the Penguins try to sell a little early while they can or do they wait?

The Edmonton Oilers Quest For Defense

Allan Mitchell of The Athletic: The Edmonton Oilers seem to always have a quest for finding the ever-happy defensive medium. It is a nice way of saying they need defensive help. What trade targets might be out there that can provide a panacea for what is ailing them?

The question is finding the right one or ones. Stan Bowman is looking for control which means a defenseman that would be under contract for beyond the season. Now, this narrows the target list a little bit.

Henri Jokiharju is among the first targets from the Buffalo Sabres. The jury is out despite some impressive advanced stats numbers. He does tend to get beat often on routine plays. That may not bode well come the playoffs but Jokiharju does fit in cap wise. especially if he can be extended.

Budget dictates the targets here.

NHL Rumors: Oilers, Avalanche, and Bruins

Players like Nick Jensen, Brandon Carlo, Marcus Pettersson, and even J.J. Moser are also on the radar. Bowman should likely not chase rentals but again, the market could be different come early March.

Edmonton should not shoot for the moon or pay like it either.