Rich Tocchet Reveals Sidney Crosby Texted Him Praising Canucks Recent Trade Acquisitions
The Canucks just recently added their third Pettersson in Marcus, formerly with the Penguins, who got a huge endorsement from former captain Sidney Crosby as he begins a new chapter in his NHL career with Vancouver.
After trading J.T. Miller following months of speculation, the Vancouver Canucks also made another trade on Friday, acquiring Marcus Pettersson and Drew O'Connor from the Pittsburgh Penguins in a shock deal.
Now, the team are going to have to quickly find their chemistry as they look to overtake the Calgary Flames in the Western Conference Wild Card race, but that may be no problem for their new arrivals.
At least that is, according to Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, who reportedly informed Head Coach Rick Tocchet of what incredible players they'd landed in O'Connor and Pettersson, specifically citing the latter's leadership abilities.
For a team that's struggled for chemistry on and off the ice this season, that's fantastic news, and given the amount of time and respect in the league that Crosby has, it's no small feat to gain his respect as a leader on the ice.
Pettersson's number certainly might not jump out as that of a major producer on the ice, but that's due to his role as a defensive minded defenseman, who improves the play of those around him, and even if fans don't believe it was worth throwing a first-round pick in the deal, his leadership will make it worth it.
Only time will tell whether or not Pettersson will extend in Vancouver this summer, and after giving up J.T. Miller to make this deal happen, the hope is that he will, but if Crosby's words ring true, this will turn out to be a great trade for Vancouver.
