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Scribe Identifies 'Mattias Ekholm-Type Addition' for Oilers

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Jan 22, 2025 8:14 PM ET

According to Preston Hodgkinson of Daily Hive, “If the Oilers want a “Mattias Ekholm-type addition” this season, their best bet will be 28-year-old Marcus Pettersson.” Hodgkinson wrote this on Wednesday when he looked at the Pittsburgh Penguins as a strong fit for a trade partner ahead of this season’s trade deadline.

In more ways than one, Pettersson could be an addition that feels like the deal that brought Ekholm to the Oilers in February of 2023. He was a trade that came out of nowhere after the Oilers were linked to several defensemen (including Erik Karlsson). Edmonton traded Tyson Barrie, Reid Schaeffer, and a first-round pick in 2023, and a 2024 fourth-round pick to Nashville. It was a hefty price to pay, but he’s been a fantastic addition.

Pettersson is a fellow Swedish rear-guard who has been a steady presence on the Penguins’ blueline this season. The Pens are looking to make a deal and he could be the piece they move that nets them the biggest return. Hodgkinson writes, “Contract talks have reportedly stalled with Pittsburgh, leaving a trade as the most likely scenario.”

Pettersson Not the Perfect Trade Fit for Oilers, But He’s Close

The Oilers are ideally looking for a right-shot defender. The fact that Pettersson is left-handed means Edmonton would be adding to a position where they are a bit stronger. That said, he has experience playing the right side. As Hodgkinson points out, in the short term, he could easily slide in on the Oilers’ second pair beside Darnell Nurse.

Interestingly, the scribe also wonders if the Oilers might consider signing Pettersson to an extension. While it seems more logical to assume he would be a rental addition, with Ekholm getting a bit older, Pettersson could step up into the top pair as Ekholm takes a step back into the three/four spot.

He also notes that other Penguins could be strong targets for the Oilers. He mentioned Michael Bunting, Drew O’Connor, Erik Karlsson, and Rickard Rakell in his article.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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