Jeff Petry has been involved in a trade once again. After being reaquired by the Montreal Canadiens in the Erik Karlsson trade, he is now being shipped out. Montreal is sending Petry to the Detroit Red Wings and will receive Gustav Lindstrom and a draft pick. This is great for Montreal as they capitalize on a return once again for the veteran defenceman.
The Canadiens have acquired defenseman Gustav Lindström and a conditional 4th-round pick in 2025 in exchange for defenseman Jeff Petry.#GoHabsGohttps://t.co/lHHWmrnsf6
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) August 15, 2023
Petry Traded to the Red Wings
The Jeff Petry trade makes sense for both parties. This is the second time in a handful of years that Petry has been traded by the Canadiens. The first move was shipping him out for free defensemen Mike Matheson. It is safe to say that trade benefitted Montreal in a good way. Matheson plays a similar style, but is much younger.
Given that Montreal is striving to get younger, parting with an older Petry for assets makes sense for the club. While Montreal can continue their rebuild process, the Red Wings gain a valuable veteran.
What This Means
For the Canadiens
As mentioned above, the trade makes sense as the club is gaining valuable assets for a player they do not need. Kent Hughes has done a magnificent job at rebuilding this roster and the fountain of youth is at the forefront.
The team may not be a playoff contender just yet, but furthering the development of their youthful talent is the top priority. Their pipeline is littered with highly talented prospects, whom could get a look at some point. While Petry would be a nice presence for a young team, his impacts will be felt with his new club.
For the Red Wings
This team is getting a valuable veteran presence on the blue line. While his production has been down the past two seasons, he has shown flashes of offensive brilliance. In four straight seasons with Montreal, he had four straight 40+ point seasons. For an added boost of offence, this fits the bill. In addition, he finished ninth on the Penguins in points (31), which was second among defencemen.
What you’re getting with Petry is a physical presence (191 hits) and is not afraid to sacrifice the body. He finished the season with 111 blocked shots. Majority of his shifts start in the defensive zone, so if you are looking for a shutdown player this fits the bill. A change of scenery can benefit Petry and help rediscover his game. The Jeff Petry trade makes sense for both sides.
Main Photo: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
