Pittsburgh Penguins veteran defenseman has performed solidly since making his return from injury in early January. This season, he has primarily been paired with either Erik Karlsson or Kris Letang. But how has this impacted the success of the Penguins’ blueliner?
Just How Well Has Penguins Marcus Pettersson Been Playing this Season
Before his injury, Marcus Pettersson had been performing well this season, recording 17 points in 43 games. He is on track to surpass his career-high of 30 points, set last season. However, a notable drawback in his offensive game has been his puck management, as he has already committed 58 turnovers this season—a career high—with more than 30 games still remaining.
Defensively, Marcus Pettersson has been solid, recording 76 blocked shots and 50 hits this season. Additionally, he has 21 takeaways, putting him on pace to surpass his career-high of 26, set last season. However, by Pettersson’s own standards, this season has been underwhelming. Last year, he was arguably the Penguins’ best defenseman, setting career highs in goals, assists, points, shots, ice time, average ice time per game, blocked shots, hits, and takeaways.
With free agency looming at the end of the season, Pettersson, who is currently earning just over $4 million, needs to elevate his performance if he hopes to secure a raise—whether with the Penguins or another team.
A Slow Start is Okay
Marcus Pettersson had a slow start upon his return from injury, managing just one blocked shot and no hits in his first game back, a loss to the Red Wings. However, he has been steadily improving since then. In the overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, he logged over 23 and a half minutes of ice time, registering a hit and two blocked shots.
Although he didn’t record any individual stats in the shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, his defensive play and positioning showed noticeable improvement. Thursday night’s win against the Edmonton Oilers marked one of Pettersson’s best performances of the season. He played just over 25 minutes—his second-highest total this year—while contributing two assists and five blocked shots.
As the Penguins heat up at the right time to make a potential playoff push, Pettersson will be a key factor in their success, provided he remains with the team.
Putting Good Games Together But Not Consistent Enough
Marcus Pettersson delivered another strong performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning, contributing an assist along with four hits and three blocked shots, despite the Penguins falling short in that game.
Unfortunately, his last two outings were ones he’d likely prefer to forget. In the win over the Buffalo Sabres and the loss to the Washington Capitals on Saturday night, his play fell below expectations.
It’s no secret that the Penguins are actively shopping Pettersson, especially as the team faces the prospect of another season without a playoff appearance. Trading him could provide much-needed salary cap relief and help the Penguins continue their push toward a younger roster. With the trade deadline looming, Pettersson’s future in Pittsburgh remains uncertain. For now, though, both he and the team need to focus on playing consistent, winning hockey.
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