Better Late than Never: Pettersson Signs New Contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins and defenseman Marcus Pettersson discussed a long term deal last summer, but the Penguins salary cap jam prevented the Penguins from officially offering the deal. On the eve of training camp, Pettersson signed his paltry $874,125 qualifying offer.

Tuesday morning, Pettersson finally got paid.

The team and defenseman agreed to a five-year, $20,125 million contract with an average annual value $4.025 million.

“In just over a year, Marcus has had a significant impact on our defensive group,” Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said. “He is young, reliable and smart, which is important in today’s game. Marcus is part of our young core and it was important to get him signed long-term.”

A source with direct knowledge of the deal told PHN Pettersson also earned an eight-team NTC in the final two years of the deal, which coincide with the years he would have become an unrestricted free agent.

The Penguins acquired Pettersson from the Anaheim Ducks in December of 2018 for struggling prospect Daniel Sprong. Pettersson made an immediate impact with the Penguins. He scored 19 points (2g, 17a) in 57 games with the Penguins. He had six points (0g, 6a) in 27 games with Anaheim.

This season, Pettersson, 23, was called “one of our four best defensemen,” by head coach Mike Sullivan.

Pettersson has 15 points (1g, 14a) in 50 games this season. He has been a fixture in the Penguins top-four and one of the few Penguins players not affected by injuries.

The deal is a flat deal without a salary escalation or signing bonuses. Marcus Pettersson will be 29-years-old at the conclusion of the deal in 2026.