Rangers Sean Druzi, Marcus Pettersson already admire each other and could form an exciting pair
Earlier this month, Sean Durzi’s agent, Allan Walsh, ran into Marcus Pettersson at Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek’s wedding near Prague.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mollie Walker about the inside buzz on the Rangers.
Durzi and Pettersson had just become Rangers teammates 10 days prior, and Walsh was inclined to dial up his client so that he and Pettersson could say hello and exchange some words before getting on the ice together closer to the start of the 2026-27 season.Because even though they became Blueshirts in separate trades, Durzi and Pettersson were brought to New York together.The Rangers defense corps was instantly recalibrated upon the completion of their respective transactions on July 1.Expected to forge the second pair, Durzi and Pettersson were identified as a potentially complementary duo that can bring mobility, production and reliable defensive play.The admiration and respect they already have for one another was apparent during their introductory Zoom calls Thursday.“I know Marcus’ game is incredible,” Durzi said.“You look at this D corps, it’s a solid D corps.
It’s a lot of great players.It’s an exciting D corps.
I think whatever they have planned for me, I think that’s what I’m willing to do.If I’m lucky enough to play with Marcus, it’s an exciting pair.”Added Pettersson: “I know Sean’s game.
I know he’s a great skater.He can move the puck.
Offensive guy, but he’s got an edge to him as well.I played with John Marino, who he played with in Utah, and he only talked good things about him in his game.
If we are a pair, great.But it’s a great group of defensemen that we have, and I think we have some healthy competition there, too, where you can mix and match, and see what chemistry works, what pairings work.”For Durzi, the trade to New York came as a bit of a surprise.
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