The ‘No. 1 trade target’ by the Edmonton Oilers is not the Penguins’ D-man, according to an NHL analyst. Pettersson, Marcus

As the NHL trade deadline looms, trade rumors are running rampant throughout the league, and the Edmonton Oilers, a team poised to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs, have been one of the teams generating the most buzz. The Oilers are looking to solidify their roster, particularly on defense, where many believe the team could still use a bit of a boost. However, recent reports from NHL analysts suggest that the player many fans and media have linked to the Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson, might not be their primary trade target after all.

This revelation comes as a surprise to many, given Pettersson’s skill set and the Oilers’ need for a left-handed defenseman who can provide solid two-way play. Despite the widespread speculation, NHL analysts believe that Edmonton’s focus could be elsewhere, perhaps on a player who fits their needs more effectively or is a better long-term solution. So, with Pettersson’s name largely dismissed as a top target, what does this mean for the Oilers’ trade strategy, and who could be their actual No. 1 target?

Why Marcus Pettersson Was Initially Linked to the Oilers

Before delving into the reasons behind the Oilers’ possible shift in trade focus, it’s important to understand why Pettersson’s name became so widely associated with the team. Marcus Pettersson is a 27-year-old Swedish defenseman currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his skill set aligns well with the Oilers’ needs. Pettersson is a left-handed shot, something the Oilers have been seeking to balance out their defensive corps, and he possesses excellent mobility, solid defensive instincts, and an ability to contribute offensively.

Throughout his career, Pettersson has been known for his strong defensive zone coverage, smart positioning, and a quiet but effective offensive game. His ability to move the puck efficiently and his proficiency in breaking up plays in his own end makes him a desirable asset for teams looking to bolster their blue line. These qualities made him an attractive target for the Oilers, a team that, while loaded with offensive firepower, has long been searching for more stability and reliability on the back end.

The Oilers’ defense has been inconsistent at times, and while Evan Bouchard is a rising star and Darnell Nurse provides physicality, the team has often struggled to find the right complement for their top pairings. Pettersson, with his solid two-way play, seemed like a perfect fit alongside Nurse or even as a top-four addition to help balance out the defensive unit.

Additionally, the Penguins’ ongoing struggles in their rebuilding process have led to speculation that they could be sellers at the deadline, making players like Pettersson available. With the Oilers eager to improve their roster, many analysts believed that Pettersson could be an ideal candidate for a trade. But, as it turns out, the Oilers might not be as interested in the Penguins’ defenseman as many previously thought.

NHL Analysts Weigh In: Why Pettersson Might Not Be the Right Fit

While Pettersson’s name has been floated as a top trade target for the Oilers, NHL analysts are starting to think otherwise. According to several sources, including league insiders and analysts from various NHL networks, the Oilers’ front office may have a different set of priorities that make Pettersson less appealing than initially believed.

1. Pettersson’s Playoff Experience

One of the primary concerns for many analysts when it comes to Marcus Pettersson is his relative lack of playoff experience. The Oilers, who are gearing up for a Stanley Cup run, are looking to add players who have proven themselves in high-pressure postseason environments. While Pettersson has been a regular in the NHL for several seasons, his playoff experience has been limited. The Penguins have made the playoffs in recent years, but Pettersson’s role on the team has fluctuated, and he hasn’t been a fixture in high-stakes games as some of the Oilers’ other potential trade targets have.

The Oilers’ primary goal is to win the Stanley Cup, and adding a player without significant postseason experience might not align with their current needs. In contrast, they may be targeting someone with more experience at the highest levels of competition, someone who can help guide the team through the intense pressure of the playoffs. Players with a track record of stepping up in critical moments, especially on defense, are especially valuable in the postseason, and that may make Pettersson a less attractive option for the Oilers.

2. Cost and Contract Considerations

Another key reason why the Oilers may have cooled on the idea of acquiring Marcus Pettersson involves his contract. Pettersson is signed to a five-year, $20.125 million deal that runs through the 2025-26 season. While the contract is relatively team-friendly for a player of his caliber, it still represents a financial commitment. The Oilers are already operating under a tight salary cap, especially with the large contracts of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and others. Adding Pettersson’s contract could create complications for the Oilers’ cap situation, making it difficult to add further pieces or retain flexibility for the future.

Moreover, the Oilers may be looking for a more cost-effective option who doesn’t tie up as much of their cap space long term. Pettersson’s contract might not be a deal-breaker for some teams, but for the Oilers, who are looking to maximize their cap space while preparing for a deep playoff run, this could be a significant factor in moving away from him as their primary target.

3. Fit with Oilers’ System and Needs

As much as Pettersson offers solid two-way play, some analysts believe he may not be the best fit for the Oilers’ system. The Oilers are a high-tempo, offensive-minded team that thrives on pushing the pace and moving the puck quickly out of their own zone. Pettersson is a reliable, steady defenseman, but he might not have the kind of dynamic game that the Oilers need in a top-four defenseman. They require someone who can contribute more to the offense and who can keep up with the fast pace of their top players.

In contrast to Pettersson, the Oilers might benefit from a more aggressive, offensive-minded defenseman who can complement the likes of Bouchard and Nurse. The team’s offensive game is built on speed, skill, and puck movement, and a defenseman who is adept at pushing the play and jumping into the rush could be a better fit. Pettersson’s steady, yet unspectacular style might not mesh as well with the Oilers’ identity, leading the team to explore other options.

Who Could Be Edmonton’s No. 1 Trade Target Instead?

Now that Pettersson is seemingly off the table as Edmonton’s No. 1 trade target, who could the Oilers be eyeing as their top acquisition? Analysts have pointed to several alternative options that may better suit the Oilers’ needs, both in terms of style of play and financial fit.

1. Jacob Chychrun – Defenseman, Arizona Coyotes

One player who has been frequently mentioned in trade rumors and could be an excellent fit for the Oilers is Jacob Chychrun of the Arizona Coyotes. Chychrun is a dynamic, offensive-minded defenseman who possesses the skating ability and puck-moving skills that fit perfectly within the Oilers’ system. His ability to drive the play and contribute offensively would give the Oilers a boost on both ends of the ice.

Chychrun has proven himself as one of the top defensemen in the league, and his cost-effective contract (signed through the 2024-25 season) makes him an appealing option for teams like the Oilers, who need to maximize their cap space. Acquiring Chychrun would not only provide Edmonton with a top-tier defenseman but would also improve their power play, where they are already lethal.

2. Vladislav Gavrikov – Defenseman, Columbus Blue Jackets

Vladislav Gavrikov is another defenseman who could be a great fit for the Oilers. The 28-year-old Russian defender is known for his strong defensive play and reliability in his own zone. He is a physical presence on the blue line, and his ability to shut down opposing forwards would provide the Oilers with an added layer of protection in their own end. Gavrikov also has playoff experience with the Blue Jackets, making him a more natural fit for a team with Cup aspirations like the Oilers.

Gavrikov is also a pending unrestricted free agent, meaning the Oilers could potentially acquire him without the long-term financial commitment associated with players like Pettersson. His straightforward, defensive-minded style would complement the more offensively inclined defensemen on the Oilers, giving them more balance and depth.

3. John Klingberg – Defenseman, Anaheim Ducks

John Klingberg is another veteran defenseman who could be a valuable addition to the Oilers. Known for his offensive instincts and ability to move the puck, Klingberg could provide the Oilers with more depth on the power play and an added dimension to their offensive game. While Klingberg is known primarily for his offensive contributions, he is also a competent two-way defender who can handle significant minutes in all situations.

Klingberg would fit the Oilers’ style of play, offering speed, mobility, and the ability to contribute offensively. The Anaheim Ducks are likely to be sellers at the deadline, and Klingberg could be available at a relatively affordable price, given his current contract situation.