It’s been a busy night for the Vancouver Canucks.
The team has made another significant roster adjustment, following their blockbuster trade of star forward JT Miller to the New York Rangers earlier today.
The latest trade brings defenceman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor to the Canucks in exchange for forward Danton Heinen, defenceman Vincent Desharnais, the rights to forward Melvin Fernström, and a conditional first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft (acquired from the Rangers in Miller deal).
“We wish both Danton and Vinny all the best in Pittsburgh and thank them for their contributions this season,” said Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin. “We are really happy to add to the depth of our team with the acquisitions of Marcus and Drew. Marcus has good size, reach, and makes solid decisions with the puck while Drew is an intelligent player with versatility and a bigger frame.”
Pettersson, 28, has had a strong start to the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, notching 18 points (3 goals, 15 assists) and 25 penalty minutes in 47 games. The 6’5″, 174-pound defenceman has played 491 NHL games, earning 151 points (17 goals, 134 assists) and 294 penalty minutes across stints with Pittsburgh and Anaheim. Pettersson also brings valuable playoff experience, having appeared in 25 career postseason games, contributing four points (0-4-4).
Hailing from Skelleftea, Sweden, Pettersson has represented his country on the international stage multiple times, including at the World Championship (2019), World Junior Championship (2016), and several other junior tournaments. He was originally drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round, 38th overall, in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
See also: Vancouver Canucks trade JT Miller to New York Rangers
O’Connor, 26, joins the Canucks after a solid showing with the Penguins, tallying 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists) and 16 penalty minutes in 53 games this season. The 6’4″, 209-pound forward has appeared in 210 career NHL games, all with Pittsburgh, registering 66 points (30 goals, 36 assists) and 54 penalty minutes. He also brings AHL experience, with 73 points (27 goals, 46 assists) in 73 games for Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
A native of Chatham, New Jersey, O’Connor initially signed with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent, making an immediate impact as part of the Penguins’ forward corps. His size and versatility make him a valuable asset to the Canucks as they continue to shape their roster for the future.
These trades come just hours after the Canucks moved JT Miller to the New York Rangers amid reports of tensions in the locker room and reduced ice time, believed to be linked to friction with teammate Elias Pettersson. Along with Miller, Vancouver also sent defencemen Erik Brannstrom and Jackson Dorrington to the Rangers.
In return, the Canucks received forward Filip Chytil, defenceman Victor Mancini, and a top-13 protected first-round pick in 2025 (which converts to an unprotected pick in 2026 if it lands within the top 13). These changes signify Vancouver’s intent to continue evolving its roster as the team works to build a competitive, cohesive unit.
