When they re-acquired Jeff Petry from the Pittsburgh Penguins in a three-team transaction for only 75% of his contract, the Montreal Canadiens felt confident in their decision. They have a young defense corps that needs opportunities, which is another reason why management made the most of Joel Edmundson’s value when they traded him last month and kept some of his pay. To make a move happen quickly, the Canadiens are anticipated to trade Petry before the start of the season while keeping their payroll.
Petry has stated he will make the most of the current scenario if the Canadiens are unable to complete a trade, and he will be available for trade by the trade deadline to a competitive team in need of defensive reinforcement. Before the season begins, we will examine three teams who might be interested in signing Petry for the final two years of his contract.
Chicago Blackhawks
If the Chicago Blackhawks plan to ice Jarred Tinordi and Nikita Zaitsev in such positions, the team’s third pairing is too unreliable to start the season with. To help the young club turn things around, it would be far better to add another excellent player like Petry. It is possible to have one of Petry or Connor Murphy play in the top four on their off-side, but it would also be effective to stretch things out a little and move Murphy down to boost the third pairing. Another seasoned presence is always a good idea when new young defenders are introduced.
A little extra assistance for Connor Bedard wouldn’t hurt, and at a fair price, adding another veteran wouldn’t hurt anyone. One of the only teams that can take on Petry’s entire deal is the Blackhawks, but if they decide against it, the Canadiens made sure to maintain a retention space open by trading Mike Hoffman. Due to their contracts expiring at the end of this season, Tinordi or Zaitsev may easily become the seventh defenseman or wind up in the American Hockey League (AHL). Petry would provide the team with an additional season and a fantastic option for their second power-play unit. He can help the young players advance offensively and offer another right-shot defender to the team, which is desperately required.
Kyle Davidson, general manager of the Blackhawks, revealed that he intends to acquire the right defenseman from the market, either through trade or free agency. Petry appears to be the best choice because the free-agent market for competent right-shot defensemen has already dried up. Right now, in Chicago, for Davidson, two-year contracts seem to be the sweet spot for signing players. While the team isn’t anticipated to contend for a playoff berth this season, Petry would give Chicago options and a greater opportunity to start winning, and the second year of his contract might even see the team improve.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are a contender to keep an eye on as Petry is being shopped. Dallas is a team to pay attention to, Chris Johnston stated on The Chris Johnston Show. I am aware that they are a team that has shown interest in Jeff Petry over the past few years. The Stars haven’t upgraded through a trade yet, which is in part due to their financial space, but here is their chance to do so by signing a top-four defenseman for two seasons at a little over $2 million annual average value (AAV).
Johnston added that Petry and the Canadiens have a lengthy history together and that they granted his request to be traded to Pittsburgh last summer. So they will put in the effort to find him the greatest available solution. Although Dallas is unlikely to be on his 15-team no-trade list, he does have one. Despite being at the cap, I don’t think the Stars are entirely at ease starting the season with a third pairing whose average age is 22. The third pairing would be best served by Jani Hakanpaa, allowing Petry to easily enter the top four and complement Esa Lindell.
Minnesota Wild
With Alex Goligoski’s contract’s no-movement clause and cap hit of $2 million AAV for one more season, the Minnesota Wild are in a bit of a problem. The Wild would benefit greatly if they could sign Petry for just $2.34 million AAV since they need a right-side buffer to take some of the weight off Brock Faber and Calen Addison. With $14.7 million in dead cap per season, as they strive to win, the Wild have two seasons of difficult times ahead of them. With Petry’s deal, they would have a top-four defenseman who is competent on both ends of the rink at a very reasonable price during that period. What they require is affordable and efficient.
The squad would have to play with 12 forwards and 7 defensemen if Petry was added, but they can make it work. He and Jonas Brodin might make an effective second pairing. The team desperately needs a top-four defenseman who can provide offense from the back end, and Petry is just that. This is especially true since Matt Dumba and John Klingberg left the organization this offseason. Faber may transition to the NHL more easily if he were to move to the third pair without constantly having to play against opponents who are more challenging. If the Wild want to compete, they need players who can beyond their contractual obligations. Petry, whose income was retained by Montreal to the tune of 50%, might deliver precisely that.
If the Petry issue worsens this summer, though, something will be done at the very least by the trade deadline. The Canadiens are in a strong position and have declared their availability to do business.