Jeff Petry Rejoins Habs for Second Stint

PUBLICATION

Ryan Hall
August 12, 2023 (1:35)

SHARE THIS STORY

NHL trades are the anticipation of every NHL fan during the season. The art of orchestrating a trade that benefits both parties involves skill and adept negotiation. Some trades have the power to remarkably transform teams, while others can be disastrous setbacks that haunt a team for years.

Earlier this week, NHL fans across the league were treated to a blockbuster deal involving three teams. General Manager Kyle Dubas of the Pittsburgh Penguins, aiming to make a significant impact as the new head, orchestrated the acquisition of Eric Carlson from the San Jose Sharks. This endeavour required Dubas to navigate a complex trade involving two teams.

As the intricacies of this multifaceted trade were unveiled, it became apparent that Montreal was seeking the return of Jeff Petry, a player who had previously donned both the Montreal and Edmonton Oilers jerseys. Throughout the league, as well as among some Edmonton Oilers fans, sentiments lingered that Petry should have remained loyal to the Oilers throughout his tenure with the team.

Standing at an imposing 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 209 pounds, the 2006 second-round pick struggled to make an impact during his five seasons with the Oilers.

Despite initial expectations of him evolving into an offensive defenseman, his point tallies failed to impress, surpassing the 20-point threshold only once during his time with Edmonton. It's widely recognized, however, that defensemen require time to mature and find their stride, often reaching their prime in their late 20s and early 30s.

Fortunes turned around for Petry upon his arrival in Montreal, with his point production witnessing a substantial uptick. Emerging as a pivotal figure in their power play, Petry established himself as a cornerstone player.

Yet, as he embarks on his second stint with the Montreal Canadiens they are in the throes of team reconstruction, making it probable that he might be traded to a different team before this year's deadline, sought after for his defensive prowess to bolster another team's playoff ambitions.