I'm really back and forth on Pettersson. On one hand, you need guys like him to solidify your backend. He's been absolutely great for us and works very well with both Letang and EK. It's important for them both to have a solid d-partner. Even rebuilding teams have guys like Pettersson on the roster so I don't view resigning him as some sort of red or white flag on our future plans. At all. In fact, of all people, complaining about resigning Pettersson may be one of the lower IQ moments a person could have here.
BUT...
Every year we see decent quality top 4 dmen available. Sometimes you have to pay for them and sometimes you get a deal. Next year's class isn't as good as the recent one but there are still some decent names - Orlov, Proverov, Gavrikov, Pionk, Theodore, McCabb, etc. So that makes me think, it would be worth while to trade Pettersson, get the assets, then sign someone in FA.
There were some deals discussed around the TDL last year like - Bahl + 1st from NJD. I think you can easily get a 1st at the very least. If you retain 50%, Petts at $2mil is one HELL of a nice piece to add to your cup run profile.
If we are out at the TDL: Pettersson, Hayes, Eller, Acciari, Beauvillier all out could really bring in some good assets (quality from Pettersson, quantity from the others).