Jeff Petry Explained

Jeff Petry
Birth Date:9 December 1987
Birth Place:Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:3
Weight Lb:208
Position:Defense
Shoots:Right
Team:Detroit Red Wings
Former Teams:Edmonton Oilers
Montreal Canadiens
Pittsburgh Penguins
Draft:45th overall
Draft Year:2006
Draft Team:Edmonton Oilers
Career Start:2010
Ntl Team:USA

Jeffrey Petry (; born December 9, 1987) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL).

He was selected in the second round, 45th overall, by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, playing for the organization from 2010 until being traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 2015. Petry has also previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Playing career

Amateur

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Petry spent three years playing varsity hockey at St. Mary's Preparatory, in nearby Orchard Lake Village. He left prior to his senior season in November 2005 to play for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL), a member of the team's 2006 Tier 1 National Championship-winning team.

Petry was then drafted by the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL in the second round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, 45th overall. He was the Oilers' highest draft pick that year, as the Oilers had previously traded their first-round pick to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for goaltender Dwayne Roloson. Petry would play the following season with the Buccaneers, once again helping the team reach the playoffs.

In 2007, Petry accepted a scholarship with Michigan State University. He registered 24 points (three goals and 21 assists) and was named to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) All-Rookie Team in his freshman year. The following season for Petry saw a drop in performance, as he was held to a total of 14 points (two goals and 12 assists). He achieved a significant improvement to his game for his junior year at Michigan State, however, as he finished third overall in team scoring and first as a defenseman, collecting 29 points (four goals and 25 assists).[1]

Petry was ever-present for his team, playing in all the Spartans' games for the three seasons he was there.[2]

Professional

Edmonton Oilers (2010–2015)

Upon completing what would be his final year at collegiate level, Petry signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers on March 10, 2010.[3] He was then briefly assigned to the Oilers' then-American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Falcons, playing in eight games. He played his first game as a professional on March 26.

On September 30, 2010, Petry was assigned by the Oilers to their new AHL affiliate, the Oklahoma City Barons, for its inaugural season.[4] On December 27, Edmonton recalled Petry from Oklahoma City. He then made his NHL debut against the Buffalo Sabres on December 28, 2010, and recorded his first NHL point, a secondary assist on a goal by Ryan Jones. His first NHL goal was scored on January 20, 2011, against Kari Lehtonen of the Dallas Stars. On February 4, 2011, Petry was reassigned back to the Barons.[5]

Petry improved in his second NHL season, leading all Oilers defensemen in points, with 25, and was trusted into a shutdown role alongside Ladislav Šmíd.[6] At the end of the 2011–12 season, on June 7, 2012, Petry re-signed on a two-year, $3.4 million contract with the Oilers.[7]

At the start of the 2011–12 season, Petry made Edmonton's NHL roster out of training camp and subsequently played three regular season games before being assigned to Oklahoma City.[8] After only two games in the AHL, however, Petry was recalled back to Edmonton, where he remained for the entire season, playing in 73 games.

After the Oilers missed the playoffs in 2012, Petry was invited to play for Team USA at the 2012 IIHF World Championship.[9] He amassed six points in nine games, though the United States were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Finland.[10] Petry stayed as a permanent member of the Oilers for the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, playing in all 48 games as the Oilers again failed to make the Stanley Cup playoffs that year.

Montreal Canadiens (2015–2022)

On March 2, 2015, during the 2014–15 season, Petry was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a 2015 second-round draft pick and conditional fifth-round pick.[11] After the Canadiens post-season run, on June 2, 2015, Petry opted to surrender his impending free agent status in signing a six-year contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens until the 2020–21 season.[12]

On September 25, 2020, Petry signed a four-year, $25 million contract extension with the Canadiens.[13]

The 2020–21 COVID-shortened season proved to be Petry's most productive to date, while playing alongside Montreal newcomer Joel Edmundson.[14] His 42 points over 55 games was second on the team, behind only Tyler Toffoli. Petry participated in the Canadiens' deep run during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, culminating in an appearance in the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games. Petry sustained a finger injury in the course of Game 3 of the second round series against the Winnipeg Jets, causing him to miss two games. He opted against surgery to remain in the series, instead having it put in a cast, the pain from which caused blood vessels in both his eyes to pop, and he returned to Game 2 of the semi-final against the Vegas Golden Knights with noticeably bloodshot eyes that became an internet meme.[15]

With Shea Weber's departure from the lineup for health reasons, Petry became the Canadiens' top defenseman going into the 2021–22 season.[14] Expectations were high based on four consecutive forty point seasons, but Petry's struggles became one of the most prominent features of a historically poor start for the team. In his first 25 games, Petry recorded only 2 secondary assists, and committed numerous miscues that attracted commentator and fan speculation that he was attempting to play through injury. His poor play lead fans of the team to derisively dub him the "Tank Commander".[16] In December, shortly after the sacking of longtime general manager Marc Bergevin, the team announced that Petry was dealing with an upper body injury and would miss an undetermined number of upcoming games.[17] The change in management with the hiring of Jeff Gorton and possibility of the Canadiens initiating a long-term rebuild raised questions about whether Petry would seek a trade. He said "when you get later in your career — as a I am — you know time’s not on your side. So that’s a decision that they need to make and to be aware of what they’re going to do."[18] Petry was vocally critical of coach Dominique Ducharme.[19] His situation became more complicated still when his wife Julie became frustrated with the Quebec government's pandemic measures and relocated with their children to Detroit for the remainder of the season.[20]

Following Ducharme's sacking by new general manager Kent Hughes and the hiring of Martin St. Louis to replace him, Petry's play markedly improved.[19] However, he remained interested in a trade for family reasons. Hughes attempted to facilitate one at the trade deadline, but none took shape, and he said that he would attempt again in the summer.[20] Petry subsequently sustained a lower body injury in a March 24 game against the Florida Panthers, exiting in the third period, and was announced as being out indefinitely.[21] After returning, he played what was widely judged as his best hockey of the season in the final weeks of April, including a two-goal performance to help the team beat the New York Rangers 4–3, snapping a nine-game losing streak in the penultimate game of the year.[16]

Pittsburgh Penguins (2022–2023)

On July 16, 2022, Petry, along with forward Ryan Poehling, was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Mike Matheson and a 2023 fourth-round draft pick.[22] Having been acquired by general manager Ron Hextall in the hopes that he would improve the offensive performance of the Penguins' blueline, there was a general sense of disappointment with Petry's first season with the team, despite generating 31 points in 61 games. He missed time with injury, and in the midst of an underwhelming season for the Penguins that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time in 17 years, there were reports that new general manager Kyle Dubas was looking to trade Petry elsewhere.[23] [24] [25] [26]

Detroit Red Wings (2023–present)

On August 6, 2023, Petry, alongside Casey DeSmith, Nathan Legare, and a 2025 second-round pick, was traded back to Montreal in exchange for Rem Pitlick and Mike Hoffman as part of a three-team trade also involving the San Jose Sharks.[27] It was widely speculated that general manager Hughes would seek to immediately trade Petry to another team; as a result, Petry was again traded to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Gustav Lindström and a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick on August 15.[28] [29] [30] [31]

Personal life

Petry is a second-generation professional athlete. His father, Dan Petry, is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who earned a World Series ring as a member of the Detroit Tigers in 1984. Petry has an older brother, Matt.[32] [33] He and his wife Julie have four sons.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular seasonPlayoffs
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPtsPIMGPGAPtsPIM
2004–05St. Mary's PreparatoryHSMI2328106257
2005–06Detroit Little CaesarsMWEHL337212824
2005–06Des Moines BuccaneersUSHL481141568112578
2006–07Des Moines BuccaneersUSHL5518274571806610
2007–08Michigan State UniversityCCHA423212428
2008–09Michigan State UniversityCCHA382121432
2009–10Michigan State UniversityCCHA384252926
2009–10Springfield FalconsAHL80332
2010–11Oklahoma City BaronsAHL41717241860115
2010–11Edmonton OilersNHL3514510
2011–12Oklahoma City BaronsAHL20112
2011–12Edmonton OilersNHL732232526
2012–13Edmonton OilersNHL48391229
2013–14Edmonton OilersNHL807101742
2014–15Edmonton OilersNHL594111532
2014–15Montreal CanadiensNHL1934710122134
2015–16Montreal CanadiensNHL515111616
2016–17Montreal CanadiensNHL80820282261012
2017–18Montreal CanadiensNHL8212304228
2018–19Montreal CanadiensNHL8213334628
2019–20Montreal CanadiensNHL7111294026102136
2020–21Montreal CanadiensNHL5512304220200666
2021–22Montreal CanadiensNHL68 6 21 27 36
2022–23Pittsburgh PenguinsNHL615263124
2023–24Detroit Red WingsNHL733212439
NHL totals937 95 282 377 38848 5 8 13 18

International

YearTeamEventResultGPGAPtsPIM
2012United StatesWC7th92354
2013United StatesWC100004
2014United StatesWC6th80444
2024United StatesWC5th70110
Senior totals34291112

Awards and honors

AwardYear
USHL
Clark Cup champion2005–06
All-Star 2005–06, 2006–07
Defenseman of the Year2006–07[34]
First All-Star Team2006–07
Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Award2006–07[35]
College
All-CCHA Rookie Team2007–08
CCHA Rookie of the Year Finalist2007–08
NCAA West All-Tournament Team2007–08[36]
INCH Freshman All-American2007–08
All-CCHA Second Team2009–10
AHCA West Second-Team All-American2009–10

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Future Watch: Jeff Petry . . 2009-07-06 . 2010-02-04.
  2. Web site: Lerg, Petry Honored by USA Hockey . . 2007-05-30 . 2010-02-01.
  3. http://oilers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=520925 Petry signs entry level contract
  4. Web site: Oilers assign four . . 2010-09-30 . 2010-09-30.
  5. Web site: Oilers assign five.
  6. News: Smid and Petry got job done in leading roles on the Oilers . . 2012-04-06 . 2012-04-06 . November 9, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131109225322/http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2012/04/06/ladislav-smid-and-jeff-petry-got-job-done-in-leading-roles-on-the-edmonton-oilers-blueline/ . dead .
  7. Web site: Petry's new contract follows breakout season . . 2012-06-07 . 2012-06-07.
  8. Web site: Petry re-assigned to Barons . . 2011-10-15 . 2011-10-15.
  9. Web site: Team USA Stats . 2012-05-01 . . 2013-12-01 .
  10. [2012 IIHF World Championship]
  11. Web site: Canadiens acquire Petry from Oilers for draft picks. National Hockey League. March 2, 2015. March 2, 2015.
  12. Web site: Canadiens agree to terms on a six-year contract with Jeff Petry . . 2015-06-02 . 2015-06-02.
  13. Web site: Canadiens sign defenseman Jeff Petry to a four-year contract extension . NHL.com . 2020-09-25 . 2021-10-10 .
  14. News: Canadiens look for answers at centre, blue line ahead of final pre-season week . D'Amours . Tristan . . September 30, 2021 . October 10, 2021.
  15. News: Canadiens' Petry suffered broken finger that was source of bloodshot eyes . . July 9, 2021 . October 10, 2021.
  16. News: Canadiens' Jeff Petry redeeming confidence as lost season winds down . Engels . Eric . . April 28, 2022 . April 28, 2022.
  17. News: Canadiens by the numbers: More than meets the eye to Petry's struggles . Berkshire . Andrew . . December 8, 2021 . December 12, 2021.
  18. News: Management changes make Jeff Petry's future with Canadiens uncertain . Cowan . Stu . . December 1, 2021 . December 13, 2021.
  19. News: Canadiens' Jeff Petry like a new man after coaching change . Cowan . Stu . . February 28, 2022 . February 28, 2022.
  20. News: Jeff Petry will have to stick it out with Habs . . Cowan . Stu . March 22, 2022 . March 22, 2022.
  21. News: Canadiens' Jeff Petry out indefinitely with lower-body injury . . March 26, 2022 . March 26, 2022.
  22. Web site: Canadiens trade defenceman Jeff Petry to Penguins. Sportsnet. July 16, 2022. July 16, 2022.
  23. Web site: Report: Penguins Looking To Deal Jeff Petry. Horwat. Nick. The Hockey News. June 28, 2023. August 9, 2023.
  24. Web site: Penguins 2022-23 Season Grades: Rakell, Rust & Petry. Majchrzak. George. The Hockey Writers. May 30, 2023. August 9, 2023.
  25. Web site: Jeff Petry, Mikael Granlund Highlight Penguins' Trade Targets. Horwat. Nick. The Hockey News. May 15, 2023. August 9, 2023.
  26. Web site: 6 NHL Trade Fails That Will Keep Haunting Teams Next Season. Richardson. Lyle. The Bleacher Report. July 27, 2023. August 9, 2023.
  27. Web site: Karlsson goes to Penguins in three-team trade with Sharks, Canadiens . NHL.com . August 6, 2023.
  28. Web site: How Canadiens GM Hughes can maximize Petry's value after re-acquiring defenceman. Engels. Eric. Sportsnet. August 6, 2023. August 9, 2023.
  29. Web site: Jeff Petry's return to the Montreal Canadiens could be short-lived. Richardson. Lyle. The Hockey News. August 7, 2023. August 9, 2023.
  30. Web site: Canadiens Likely to Trade Petry and DeSmith Before Season. Wilson. Trege. The Hockey Writers. August 9, 2023. August 9, 2023.
  31. Web site: The Canadiens trade Jeff Petry to the Detroit Red Wings . Montreal Canadiens . August 15, 2023.
  32. Web site: Big league pitcher's son chooses the ice over the diamond . . 2011-11-23 . 2011-11-24 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120313211210/http://www.okcbarons.com/index.cfm?fa=thepipeline&ra=showarticle&guid=77490b5e-a6cb-48f4-bc48-d74380eb49d4 . 2012-03-13 .
  33. News: Ireland, Joanne . Petry put diamond dreams on ice . . 2007-06-09 . 2010-02-03 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121103103229/http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/sports/story.html?id=9179b6c6-301a-418d-8420-1ce55a249ed6&k=74383 . 2012-11-03 .
  34. Book: The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book/2011 . 2010 . Triumph Books . 325 . 978-1-60078-422-4.
  35. Web site: Petry is selected as Dave Tyler player of the year . . 2007-05-01 . 2012-12-02 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110807025238/http://www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=3312 . 2011-08-07 .
  36. Web site: NCAA announces All-Tournament teams . insidecollegehockey.com . 2008-05-01 . 2012-12-02 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121106033402/http://www.insidecollegehockey.com/9NCAA/2008/west2_0628.htm . 2012-11-06 .