Penguins Land First-Round Pick,Heinen in Trade with Canucks
The Pittsburgh Penguins bolstered their future by acquiring the New York Rangers’ 2025 first-round draft pick (conditional),forward Danton Heinen,defenseman Vincent Desharnais and 2024 third-round draft pick Melvin Fernstrom from Vancouver in exchange for defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor.
The move, announced today by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas, strengthens the Penguins’ draft capital and adds depth to their forward and defensive corps.
“Moving two long-time Penguins is never an easy decision,” said Dubas. “Marcus and Drew have competed day-in and day-out for the organization since the day they arrived. Both players are high-quality people, highly competitive players and zero maintenance for their fellow teammates and the staff of the Penguins.”
The Penguins will receive whichever of the Rangers’ 2025 or 2026 first-round picks the Canucks receive in a separate deal with New York.
This acquisition gives Pittsburgh 29 draft selections over the next three NHL drafts — four first-round picks and 15 selections within the first three rounds, the highest total in the league.
“tonight’s trade continues to move us in the direction set one year ago,which is to continue to add young prospects,young players,and draft capital to the Penguins as we chart our course to return the club back into contention as urgently as possible,” Dubas said.
“We are pleased to add danton Heinen back to the Penguins and Vincent Desharnais to the club and look forward to seeing both in uniform in the coming days. The addition of Melvin Fernstrom also gives us a prospect that was highly regarded at the 2024 NHL Draft, and the Rangers’ first-round draft pick provides us with another strong asset that we can use to acquire an elite young player in the draft or via trade.”
Heinen returns to Pittsburgh after previously playing for the team in 2021-22. He is signed through the 2025-26 season with an average annual value of $2.25 million. Desharnais is inked through the 2025-26 season with an average annual value of $2 million.
Heinen set career highs in goals (18) and power-play goals (3) with the Penguins. Desharnais, a 6-foot-7, 226-pound defenseman, brings 148 games of NHL experience with Vancouver and Edmonton.
Fernstrom,an 18-year-old forward,is currently playing for Orebro HK in Sweden’s top professional league (SHL). He was a third-round pick of Vancouver in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Who is Melvin Fernstrom and what role does he play in the trade?
Penguins Land First-Round Pick,Heinen in Trade with Canucks
The Pittsburgh Penguins bolstered their future by acquiring the New York Rangers’ 2025 first-round draft pick (conditional),forward Danton Heinen,defenseman Vincent Desharnais and 2024 third-round draft pick Melvin Fernstrom from Vancouver in exchange for defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor.
The move, announced today by President of Hockey operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas, strengthens the Penguins’ draft capital and adds depth too their forward and defensive corps.
“Moving two long-time Penguins is never an easy decision,” said Dubas. “Marcus and Drew have competed day-in and day-out for the organization since the day they arrived. Both players are high-quality people,highly competitive players and zero maintenance for their fellow teammates and the staff of the Penguins.”
the Penguins will receive whichever of the Rangers’ 2025 or 2026 first-round picks the Canucks receive in a separate deal with New York.
This acquisition gives Pittsburgh 29 draft selections over the next three NHL drafts — four first-round picks and 15 selections within the first three rounds, the highest total in the league.
“tonight’s trade continues to move us in the direction set one year ago, which is to continue to add young prospects,young players,and draft capital to the Penguins as we chart our course to return the club back into contention as urgently as possible,” Dubas said.
“We are pleased to add danton Heinen back to the Penguins and Vincent desharnais to the club and look forward to seeing both in uniform in the coming days. The addition of Melvin Fernstrom also gives us a prospect that was highly regarded at the 2024 NHL Draft,and the Rangers’ first-round draft pick provides us with another strong asset that we can use to acquire an elite young player in the draft or via trade.”
Heinen returns to Pittsburgh after previously playing for the team in 2021-22. He is signed through the 2025-26 season with an average annual value of $2.25 million. Desharnais is inked through the 2025-26 season with an average annual value of $2 million.
Heinen set career highs in goals (18) and power-play goals (3) with the Penguins. Desharnais, a 6-foot-7, 226-pound defenseman, brings 148 games of NHL experience with Vancouver and Edmonton.
Fernstrom, an 18-year-old forward, is currently playing for Orebro HK in Sweden’s top professional league (SHL). He was a third-round pick of Vancouver in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Q&A
Q: Why did the Penguins make this trade?
A: General Manager Kyle Dubas stated this move aligns with the team’s strategy of amassing young talent and draft capital to rebuild and contend for championships in the near future.
Q: Who are the key players involved in the trade?
A: The Penguins gained forward Danton Heinen (a returning Penguin), defenseman Vincent Desharnais, a conditional 2025 first-round pick from the Rangers, and prospect Melvin Fernstrom. They sent defenseman marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor to Vancouver.
Q: What does this trade mean for the Penguins’ future?
A: This trade significantly bolsters the Penguins’ draft position, giving them a wealth of assets to build around for the future. It signals a commitment to a long-term rebuilding strategy.
Q: Where does Melvin Fernstrom currently play?
A: Fernstrom is currently playing for Orebro HK in Sweden’s top professional league (SHL).
Stay tuned for more updates on the penguins as they navigate this exciting new chapter!
