A proposed blockbuster trade has reportedly surfaced that would swap blue-liners between the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins. The centerpiece seems to be Marcus Pettersson, a right-shot defenseman for Pittsburgh, being eyed by Edmonton to bolster their right side, while the Penguins would receive a promising young Oilers blueliner—likely Philip Broberg—along with draft capital.
Pettersson is due to earn $4.03 million in 2024–25 on an expiring contract. Meanwhile, Broberg, aged 22, has 79 NHL games and is seeking a full-time role—something Pittsburgh could offer.
Combined, both defensemen carry cap hits that add up to roughly $166 million over the remaining terms—a hefty total, but manageable given financial moves both teams are considering. Edmonton, in particular, must juggle Darnell Nurse’s $9.25 million AAV and the soon-to-renew deal for Evan Bouchard.
Edmonton’s GM Stan Bowman has already attempted to push Nurse to waive his no-trade clause, though he has reportedly declined—at least for now—keeping pressure on Edmonton to explore alternatives.
Meanwhile, internal chatter in Pittsburgh suggests they are open to dealing pending UFAs like Pettersson, as they shift toward a younger core and are “in no real position to add,” per reporting about their offseason stance
Critics argue that Edmonton’s blue line needs a reliable top-four right-shot defender alongside Bouchard, making the Pettersson offer plausible. A swap could give Pittsburgh the cost certainty and cap space to retain veteran icons while transitioning toward youth .
All signs suggest this is a developing storyline. Edmonton’s defensive crunch and Buffalo’s interest in Pettersson’s availability, combined with Pittsburgh’s youth push, make for a compelling trade scenario to monitor as the offseason progresses.
