Habs Report Cards - Jeff Petry Grade: B
In the Spring of 2015, Montreal Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin signed his prized acquisition from that season’s trade deadline day, Jeff Petry to a 6 year / $33 million (AAV $5.5 million) extension. Petry was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, 2015 but had shown enough during his short time with the Canadiens to warrant the contract. Fortunately for the Canadiens, Petry enjoyed the team and the city and decided to forgo free agency and sign with the Canadiens.
$5.5 million a year might be a steep price for a #3, second pairing defenceman. However, Petry brings much needed stability to the Canadiens defence core as he is able to contribute at both ends of the ice. On the second pairing, Petry can play within his limits and step up when needed whereas when he was an Edmonton Oiler, too much was asked of him as he was their de facto #1 defenceman. In Montreal and behind Subban on the right side depth chart, Petry does not have that added pressure or be concerned about overextending himself.
Petry started this season playing alongside Alexei Emelin as they attempted to build on their chemistry that they had started to form towards the end of last season. With 7 points in the first 20 games, Petry was certainly earning his contract. There were some nights whn he was the Canadiens best defenceman. In November, Emelin suffered a lower body injury and so Petry was then paired with Nathan Beaulieu. The duo clicked and became exciting to watch. Petry is an excellent player for Beaulieu to model his game after. Both are fluid skaters with a strong first pass and have natural offensive instincts. Petry has a physical side to his game that sometimes takes opponents by surprise. Everyone knows Beaulieu is tough and quick to defend his teammates, however he could learn from Petry when to use that physicality in his own end.
Unfortunately, Petry suffered a sports hernia in early December and tried to play through his pain for the better part of over two months. The injury did affect Petry on the ice as his level of play took a noticeable dip that coincided with the Canadiens struggles. He simply did not look comfortable on the ice. Petry was slower to make decisions and did not play as physical as he typically does. With the playoffs all but officially out of the Canadiens reach, Petry and management decided on February 25th to shut him down for the season and have surgery to heal his sports hernia. He should be fully recovered in time for the 2016-2017 season.
Like most of his teammates, Petry’s season started with so much promise and optimism. Unfortunately, his play when he was less than 100% combined with the Canadiens own struggles led for a difficult couple of months. There is little doubt that he is a key figure in the future success of the Canadiens. The biggest question come next Fall is who will he be paired, Emelin or Beaulieu? Will Therrien go with experience or will he let Beaulieu continue to develop under the tutelage of Petry?
Cheers & follow along! Follow @Jenbcutler