Rutherford isn't sure whether his Canucks are good enough to be contenders, but he's sure they needed Pettersson from the Penguins.

In exchange for the two players, the Penguins acquired Danton Heinen, Vincent Desharnais, Melvin Fernstrom, and a first-round pick.

Penguins pending unrestricted free agent defenseman was dealt - along with forward Drew O'Connor - to Vancouver for a first-round pick