Marcus Pettersson signed a six-year, $33 million contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Marcus Pettersson spoke to the media for the first time since signing a six-year, $33 million contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks. The 28-year-old defender's new contract will start next season and carries a cap hit of $5.5 million until the end of the 2030-31. While Pettersson has only played two games with the Canucks, he is a player that Vancouver's management group knows well, as Jim Rutherford was GM at the time when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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Pettersson started his availability by discussing the decision to sign with the Canucks long-term. As mentioned, he has only been part of the organization for a short time, with his trade to Vancouver occurring on Friday night. While answering, Pettersson mentioned a few reasons but continually spoke about the high expectations this organization has for this season and the future.
"Expectations are high," said Pettersson. "It's a young, hungry group looking to win every game we can and looking to go far in the playoffs. So expectations are high. That's kind of my decision with signing with the team. It's a young, hungry group. Been here a few days now and really feel involved. Everybody's been great, and just how great the organization is. So, like I said, high expectations."
The Canucks newest blueliner was also asked about his first impressions of the fanbase. This will be Pettersson's first chance to play in a Canadian market, which comes with a passionate fanbase that cares deeply about its team. As Pettersson explained, he still remembers all the excitement surrounding last year's playoff run and is excited to experience a similar atmosphere himself.
"I mean, I saw a few of the games in the playoffs last year and how much the city rallies around the team. Just great people everywhere, it seems like. Canadian markets gonna be a little bit new than what I'm used to. But, I mean, I'm really excited. Like I said, great people in the city. It's a city that really loves its players, and, you know, rallies around them when the time needs. I'm really excited here and to get going."
Part of Pettersson's decision to sign long-term was familiarity with the management group. As mentioned, Rutherford brought him to the Penguins while Vancouver's current GM, Patrik Allvin, was also with the organization. According to Pettersson, knowing how members of the Canucks management staff run an organization played a factor in signing an extension so quickly.
"It is a big decision. I think a lot for me was the familiarity with the management. I've had them before. I know the way they run a team, and it's people that I know, so that helped me a lot. A team like this is somewhere I want to be and keep developing. Great coaching staff, great players, young players, hungry players. I mean, I spent seven years in Pittsburgh and kind of owe them a lot. Really grateful for the time being there. I've got the opportunity to play with some great players. So, I really enjoyed my time there, and I've got nothing but good things to say about that organization. That being said, I'm really excited to be here, and it kind of felt right away when I got over. I think knowing the management before kinda helped me."
While Pettersson has only been with the organization for less than a week, some players have already left a positive impression on him. With all the noise surrounding this team over the past few months, integrating players in smoothly is crucial if Vancouver wants to make a push for the playoffs. Pettersson mentioned a few players by name when talking about early impressions, including members of the leadership group and a former teammate.
"There's a lot of guys. A guy like Mysie's (Tyler Myers) been around the league a long time. Talk to him a lot. Played the first two games here with him, so obviously, comes naturally to talk to him as your partner and stuff like that. Other guys, I've known Kiefer Sherwood since before. He's a guy that's vocal around the room. Another guy is Conor Garland. Seems like a vocal guy in the room and really a leader here. Then you got Petey (forward Elias Pettersson) and Brock (Boeser). Obviously great guys. You got Quinn (Hughes) too. Like I said, it's a lot of great people. Young, hungry guys that want to win; want to win every day. So there's a lot of guys that have made an impression on me. Knew some of the people before, too, so that helps too. But there's a lot of guys that I feel like are are taking steps in that leadership role. And for sure, Mysie being one of them."
During his media availabilities this year, Allvin has spoken about creating a safe environment within the organization. Whether that is the players, coaches or training staff, ensuring that everyone feels safe is a key part of running a successful franchise. Pettersson was also asked about creating a safe environment and if this is a term that was also mentioned during his time with the Penguins organization.
"I think every team wants that, right? So, I don't think it's anything new. What it looks like is everybody has a voice. You see in every meeting we have here and on the ice, everybody's involved, everybody has a voice. I think that's really important in the team that you can have a high ceiling in a team, and you're a family of some sort. That's kind of what my interpretation of it is. Like I said, over time in Pittsburgh, I think that was built with Sid (Sidney Crosby) and those guys. For sure, it's something that they try to build here. From what I've seen so far, it's a great group of guys. Everybody has a voice, and everybody voices their opinion on plays, coverage and stuff like that. So it's been a great experience for me so far."
While it is difficult to predict how this contract will age, the early projection is that signing Pettersson long-term will benefit the organization. Not only does he strengthen their blue line, but he is also a leader both on and off the ice. In the end, a player like Pettersson is exactly who the organization needs, as he should have a positive impact not just this season but for the entire length of his extension.
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