Penguins Positioned to Make a Splash with Perfect Trade Partner in Sight

It's going to be a sad day in Pittsburgh when any of the 3 franchise core icons of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kristopher Letang decide to hang up their skates.

It goes without saying that they're all on the wrong side of 35 years of age; Malkin is under contract for 1 more year, while Crosby recently extended for 2 years.

Additionally, Letang recently underwent heart surgery; while it shouldn't affect his availability for the start of next year, natural questions arise about his ability to remain healthy.

Is Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas considering swinging a trade for a well-known Swedish forward on the West Coast?

Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson went through one of the most difficult years of his career in 2024-25, especially thanks to a conflict with now-former Canucks forward J.T. Miller, who was dealt to the New York Rangers.

Making an appearance on the popular Donnie and Dhali podcast, Petterson's agent JP Barry admitted that it's a possibility that his client could in fact be traded from Vancouver; regardless, he wants to have a great 2025-26.

Not only would the potential acquisition of Pettersson give the Penguins a new star that could use a change of scenery, but one who could help carry the mantle from the aforementioned Crosby and Malkin when their respective careers come to a close.

Additionally, he would also mesh with Swedish players already on the Penguins roster like Rickard Rakell, Emil Bemstrom and Erik Karlsson.

He's under contract through 2032 with an AAV (average annual value) of $11.6 million.