The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a bold move in the NHL trade market, acquiring a package of players and draft picks in a multi-team deal that signals their commitment to rebuilding and future success.The trade, announced by President of Hockey Operations and general Manager Kyle Dubas, sees the Penguins receive forward Danton Heinen, defenseman Vincent Desharnais, and 2024 third-round draft pick Melvin Fernstrom from the Vancouver Canucks. In exchange, Pittsburgh sent defenseman marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor to Vancouver. Additionally, the penguins secured a conditional 2025 first-round draft pick from the New York Rangers, further bolstering their future assets.
“Moving two long-time Penguins is never an easy decision,” said Dubas. “Marcus and Drew have competed day-in and day-out for the institution since the day they arrived. Both players are high-quality people, highly competitive players and zero maintenance for their fellow teammates and the staff of the Penguins.”
This trade underscores the Penguins’ strategy to accumulate young talent and draft capital. With this deal, Pittsburgh now holds 29 selections over the next three NHL drafts, including four first-round picks and 15 selections in the first three rounds.no team in the league has more draft picks or selections in the first three rounds during this period.
“Tonight’s trade continues to move us in the direction set one year ago which is to continue to add young prospects, young players, and draft capital to the Penguins as we chart our course to return the club back into contention as urgently as possible,” Dubas added. “We are pleased to add Danton Heinen back to the Penguins and Vincent Desharnais to the club and look forward to seeing both in uniform in the coming days.”
Key Additions to the Penguins
Danton heinen returns to Pittsburgh for his second stint with the team, having previously played for the Penguins from 2021 to 2023. the 6-foot-2 forward has skated in 537 career NHL games, tallying 93 goals, 136 assists, and 229 points. This season with Vancouver, Heinen has recorded six goals and 11 assists in 50 games. Heinen’s best season came in 2021-22 with the Penguins, where he set a career-high with 18 goals.He also brings valuable playoff experience, having played in 48 Stanley Cup Playoff games with Pittsburgh and Boston.Vincent Desharnais, a 6-foot-7 defenseman, joins the Penguins after splitting his career between Vancouver and edmonton. In 148 NHL games,Desharnais has recorded one goal and 18 assists. Known for his physical presence, Desharnais has also played in 28 playoff games, tallying three assists with the Oilers. His collegiate career at Providence College saw him record 29 points in 131 games.
Melvin Fernstrom, an 18-year-old forward, is currently playing in Sweden’s top professional league, the SHL, with Orebro HK. In 35 games, Fernstrom has notched three goals and five assists. He was drafted by Vancouver in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft and represented Sweden at the 2024 World Under-18 Championship,earning a bronze medal.
Draft Capital and Future Prospects
The conditional 2025 first-round pick from the New York Rangers adds another layer of adaptability for the Penguins. This pick, along with their existing draft capital, positions Pittsburgh to either select elite young talent or use the assets in future trades. The Penguins’ aggressive approach to rebuilding is evident in their accumulation of draft picks, setting them up for long-term success.
Summary of the Trade
| Penguins Acquire | Canucks Acquire |
|————————————|—————————–|
| Danton Heinen (F) | Marcus Pettersson (D) |
| Vincent Desharnais (D) | Drew O’Connor (F) |
| Melvin Fernstrom (2024 3rd Round) | |
| Conditional 2025 1st Round Pick | |
This trade marks a significant shift for the penguins as they aim to balance immediate competitiveness with future growth. By adding experienced players like Heinen and Desharnais,alongside promising prospects like Fernstrom,Pittsburgh is positioning itself for a resurgence in the NHL standings. Fans can expect to see these new additions in action soon as the Penguins continue their quest to return to championship contention.
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