Penguins Bolster Future with Blockbuster Trade for Draft Picks, Players

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a significant move to bolster their future, acquiring a conditional first-round draft pick, forward Danton Heinen, defenseman Vincent Desharnais, and prospect Melvin Fernstrom in a multi-player trade with the Vancouver Canucks. The deal, announced on February 1, 2025, by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas, also sends defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor to Vancouver.

“Moving two long-time Penguins is never an easy decision,” Dubas said. “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 trade includes a conditional first-round pick from the New York Rangers, which Vancouver had acquired earlier in the day. Pittsburgh will receive either the Rangers’ 2025 or 2026 first-round pick, depending on the conditions of the earlier trade. This acquisition gives the Penguins 29 selections over the next three NHL drafts, including four first-round picks and 15 selections in the first three rounds—the most of any team 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 added. “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.”

Heinen, 29, returns to Pittsburgh after previously playing for the Penguins from 2021 to 2023. The forward has skated in 537 career NHL games, tallying 93 goals and 136 assists. This season, he has recorded six goals and 11 assists in 50 games with Vancouver. Desharnais, 28, brings size and experience to the Penguins’ blue line, standing at 6-foot-7 and 226 pounds. The defenseman has played 148 NHL games, notching one goal and 18 assists.

Fernstrom, an 18-year-old forward currently playing in Sweden’s top professional league, adds to Pittsburgh’s prospect pool. The third-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft has eight points in 35 games with Orebro HK this season.

The trade marks a strategic shift for the Penguins, who are prioritizing youth and draft capital as they aim to rebuild their roster and return to Stanley Cup contention. Meanwhile, Vancouver continues to reshape its lineup after trading star center J.T. Miller to the Rangers earlier in the day.