The Vancouver Canucks added a third Pettersson to their roster on February 2. The former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman joined Marcus Pettersson as part of the Canucks defense, and after playing just two games for the Blue-Green brigade, the 28-year-old has signed a massive six-year contract extension. Canucks GM Patrik Allvin was happy to break the news to the fans.

“In just a couple of games, Marcus has already shown us the type of leadership, poise, and character that we want in a top four defenseman,” Allvin said as per the official press release. Although surprised, the fans shared in the Canucks’ GM’s happiness. Despite handing the player a contract extension after just two games, the fans saw it as a favorable deal.

“Very happily surprised this didn’t start with a 6! Clean contract, with the cap going up 9.5M. Will look like pennies in 3 years,” commented a netizen who thought Marcus Pettersson would cost an AAV of at least $6 million. However, the $33 million six-year extension ensures the average annual value stayed well within that margin at $5.5 million.

However, the Canucks’ General Manager’s also explained that besides his leadership abilities, the former Pittsburgh Penguins player’s skills on the ice also impressed the team. “He has a calming influence on the ice, uses his long reach and hockey smarts to break up plays, and has a good first pass,” Allvin said about Marcus Pettersson.

It’s no secret that helping others stay cool-headed during volatile situations will be invaluable for the Canucks. The defenseman also had nothing but positive things to say about his new team. “We’ve got great forwards here,” Pettersson said as per The Province. Meanwhile, most fans couldn’t believe they got the experienced defenseman under $6 million a year.

Vancouver Fans believe Marcus Pettersson could’ve commanded much more

“Under 6 Million. Huge WIN!!!” commented yet another fan after coming across the official post. However, there was a good reason why everyone kept harping on about the value of the deal. The biggest reason is that many believe Pettersson could’ve commanded well beyond the $6 million AAV if he remained a free agent till the summer of 2025.

Maybe that’s why Patrik Allvin didn’t waste time in offering the contract extension to the defenseman. “Allvin was quick to lock him up like they said they would. Fair value, would’ve gotten more in the summer if he went to FA,” one fan noted in their response. Meanwhile, another went beyond assessing the immediate value of acquiring Marcus Pettersson.

Sportsnet analyst Satiar Shah was also of the same opinion. “It’s the range I expected it to be, fair value based on the market,” wrote theCanucks Central & Canucks game host. “Could argue he’d be in line for +$6M in free agency,” added the NHL analyst. Meanwhile, some fans looked beyond the immediate benefit of getting the Swedish star below $6 million.

The fan listed the long-term benefits the Canucks will reap from the contract. “28 years old, and 34 years old at the end of the deal. All for under 6M AAV with the cap raising over 100M in the coming years. Solidified 2nd pairing, d**n. This is actually a great piece of work,” stated the Canuck’s fans. The fan raised the crucial strategic value Pettersson will provide as well.

With the 28-year-old in the second pairing for the Canucks, he would be able to fill in for star defenseman Quinn Hughes. This became apparent in their last game against the Avalanche, where Pettersson was part of the starting line-up because Hughes couldn’t pay after sustaining an (undisclosed) injury. Yet, what’s your opinion on handing Marcus Pettersson the contract extension? Give us your take on the comments.