It pretty much screws Boston for expansion, unless they go 8-1 and protect Pasta, Marchand, Bergeron and Coyle.

Fair concern, but I think if he plays well enough to warrant protection that would mean they won the trade

Since we get a top4 D, I wouldn't mind it. But Pettersson doesn't have much offense to offer and I would have liked a two-way D. Bruins would also need to find a top6 LW after that. How has Pettersson been this season?

Like Debrusk, Pettersson has struggled this year

Not really a true offensive or defensive guy though, looked to be pacing towards a 30ish point two way #4 but has stalled out this season

Some of his issues might be the logjam at LD in Pittsburgh, he's getting different matchups this year playing behind Matheson/Dumo/POJ

I don't know if the Bruins would would want him and Pittsburgh's a divisional rival this season so it could complicate things for both sides but I would personally consider it. Tbh it's too soon to start talking about trades involving DeBrusk and the B's would sell low since he hasn't been at his usual level of play.

I’d say his struggles are more so because of the injuries and being juggled between pairs playing with Ceci, Letang, Marino. He has played a little better the last couple games since the 3 penalty game. I mean most of the pens came out struggling so it could have been a no training camp issue too. This also creates a log jam at left wing for us. Guentzel is obviously top line LW. The only 2 fixes to that is either moving Zucker to 3RW when he comes back or trading one of McCann or Zucker. Which the latter kinda renders a trade for DeBrusk pointless.