Former Penguins Forward Signs Extension With Canucks

As the hockey world waits for the 4 Nations Face-off championship game between the United States and Canada on Thursday night, the rest of the NHL returned to work on Tuesday morning.

One of the first things the Vancouver Canucks did was extended one of their newest acquisitions, Drew O’Connor. General Manager Patrik Alvin announced that the 26-year-old agreed to a two-year extension valued at $2.5 million.

O’Connor joined the Canucks after the Pittsburgh Penguins traded him, along with Marcus Pettersson, in exchange for Danton Heinen, Vincent Desharnais, and prospect Melvin Fernstrom.

Initially undrafted, O’Connor joined the Penguins for the 2020-21 season and played 210 games over five seasons with the organization. He scored 30 goals and 66 points while averaging 13:16 in ice time a game.

After the trade, the native of Wayne, New Jersey, has two goals, including a game-winner, with Vancouver playing almost a minute more per game.

Interestingly, the Canucks have extended both players they acquired from the Penguins, as Pettersson recently signed a six-year deal worth $33 million on Feb. 5.

Meanwhile, Heinen and Desharnais are under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season, carrying a combined cap hit of $4.25 million.