Report: Canucks, Oilers interested in Penguins' Pettersson

A pair of Canadian NHL teams are exploring the possibility of acquiring Marcus Pettersson.

The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks have shown interest in the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman, reports The Athletic's Josh Yohe.

Pettersson is a pending unrestricted free agent with a cap hit of $4,025,175, according to PuckPedia. He's one of three Penguins blue-liners playing on expiring contracts, along with Matt Grzelcyk and Ryan Shea.

The Swede has spent parts of the last six seasons with the Penguins, who nabbed him in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks for forward Daniel Sprong. Pettersson has collected a goal and seven assists while averaging 22:21 of ice time in 20 games so far this campaign.

Pettersson averaged a career-high 22:40 while posting 30 points (including 26 assists) and suiting up for all 82 games in 2023-24.

Pettersson has commendable underlying numbers this season, especially considering the Penguins' struggles as a team. They've controlled 56.54% of the expected goals and 55% of the scoring chances with the 28-year-old on the ice at five-on-five, per Natural Stat Trick.

Pittsburgh entered Monday sitting second-last in the Metropolitan Division at 7-10-3. The Penguins traded forward Lars Eller back to the Washington Capitals last Tuesday for two draft picks.