Penguins Gets Injury Update on Top Trade Piece

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be forced to play some time without their top defenseman.

Nov 23, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson (28) skates with the puck against the Utah Hockey Club during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Penguins have a chance to be the center of attention as the NHL trade deadline approaches with multiple players possibly one the move. Most notable among them is top defenseman Marcus Pettersson who is likely going to be a top trade target from the Penguins roster.

Pettersson’s trade stock might slide a bit, however, as the Penguins announce he will be out of the lineup on a week-to-week basis with a lower-body injury. Pettersson was an early exit in the Penguins overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators, after taking a tough bump into the boards.

Mike Sullivan said Marcus Pettersson will be week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

The defenseman left late in the first period of Saturday's game in Ottawa and did not return after going awkwardly into the boards.

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) December 16, 2024

After just over six minutes of ice time, Pettersson left the game and did not return, forcing the Penguins to play short-handed on the blue line for most of the night.

The Penguins have been on a good run as of late with a 6-3-1 record in their last 10 games and are starting to flirt with a playoff spot. That’s a huge difference from seeing losing streaks pile up and being just a point out of last in the Eastern Conference.

The East is finally starting to show signs of separation in the standings, and the Penguins are above water for the moment.

Losing Pettersson might make things tough, however, as he is by far their best defensive defenseman. Proving to be capable of playing with either Kris Letang or Erik Karlsson, the Penguins have gotten outstanding defensive work from Pettersson over the last couple of seasons.

The 2024-25 season hasn’t been as kind to Pettersson, but he’s still a top name. The early struggles of the Penguins, and Pettersson in the final year of his contract makes him a perfect trade candidate with the deadline still to come.

The Penguins have not yet made any corresponding moves to fill the gap that will be left in Pettersson’s spot. They have plenty of defensemen on the roster and have been impressed by the play of top defensive prospect Owen Pickering.

Make sure you bookmark Breakaway OnSI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

• Utah Hockey Club Entering Playoff Race
• Multiple Teams Showing Trade Interest in Bruins Forward
• Sabres HC Taking Responsibility for Losing Streak
• Oilers and Panthers Meet in Stanley Cup Finals Rematch
• Maple Leafs Forward Pricing Himself Out of Toronto