2022 NHL Draft
Sullivan Talks Pettersson, O’Connor Trade; ‘Untapped’ Levels
CRANBERRY — It has been a disappointing season for Drew O’Connor, and it took a sharp left turn late Friday night when the Pittsburgh Penguins traded him and defenseman Marcus Pettersson to the Vancouver Canucks for a substantial pull that included the New York Rangers top-13 protected first-round pick.
Saturday morning in the locker room, coach Mike Sullivan had praise for both, and some evaluation for O’Connor.
“First and foremost, they’re great people. They’ve been real good teammates here and a big part of the Penguins for quite some time, certainly in my tenure here,” said Sullivan. “They’re both good players. I think Marcus is just a really good, solid defenseman and a terrific teammate. You know, (O’Connor), I think there’s another level to his game that that is yet to be tapped into, and there’s an opportunity for Vancouver to try to get that out of him.”
Former Penguins assistant coach Rick Tocchet coaches Vancouver, while the general manager is former Penguins AGM Patrik Allvin, and the president of hockey operations is former Penguins GM Jim Rutherford.
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Too bad we couldn’t trade for Tocchet and Rutherford.
Why? What they’ve done in the last 24 hours does not turn them into a contender
DOC will be one of those players I’ll follow even off the Pens. You could see he was so close every game to being a major difference maker — hopefully someone figures out (maybe him!) how to unlock that potential
someone who gets it
Both players leaving underperformed this year, maybe just cause they’re on a bad team. But to get a first round pick, is a big accomplishment from Dubas…plus a prospect that he seems to have wanted. I don’t think the other two acquired players are No more than salary holds. A+ Dubie
Change is a big part of life. Adapt or be a part of the tar pit. I like the fact that Jarry is gone. Petterson, to get something you need to give something and let’s hope the big D man works out. Lets go Pens!