Jeff Petry has garnered a lot of trade interest within the last year. But he may not actually be traded, according to TSN insider Darren Dreger.
INSIDER TRADING: @TSNRyanRishaug, @reporterchris, @DarrenDreger & @PierreVLeBrun on the pressure on the #Flames as Johnny Gaudreau’s decision looms – https://t.co/hMZH8GzLAj#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/mNzjTM0xjU
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) July 8, 2022
Jeff Petry Trade May Not Happen
Dreger stated that there is attention on the Montreal Canadiens defenceman. However, there is not enough to warrant trading him. General manger Kent Hughes stated that the team will wait. The 34-year-old has spent the last 6 1/2 seasons with the Canadiens. Petry was an essential part of the team’s 2021 Stanley Cup Final run.
He had previously played for the Edmonton Oilers. He spent some time in the AHL with the now defunct Oklahoma City Barons. The Ann Arbor, Mich. native recorded 27 points in 68 games this season, with 36 penalty minutes and a -11. He spent a fair amount of the season Injured, making his return partway through.
Petry has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons, a particular incident of his eyes becoming bloody going viral. There was some speculation over why he wants out. Some saying a change of scenery, but others hinted at the fact that his family is located in the United States.
What This Means
With the Canadiens in a rebuild phase, they seem to have no rush with trading him. However, they could have a logjam with the defence when rookies like Arber Xjekaj and Kaiden Guhle make the transition to the NHL.
He also has a $6.25 million cap hit until 2025, which may impact the team when the time comes to extend some of their young talent. His production took a noticeable drop this year, so unless his production continues like it did during the 2021 season, it may be wise for him to get a fresh start in the NHL, particularly within the states.
Although he wasn’t great this year, he could be particularly valuable for a team that needs defensive help, and it could benefit the Canadiens in return considering the package they got for Romanov during the 2022 NHL Draft. Although, only time will tell what will happen.
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes open to trading Jeff Petry https://t.co/4TTauexZar pic.twitter.com/b9NvUQIx9g
— theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) January 31, 2022
