Jeff Petry in NHL Trade Rumours With Flyers

Jeff Petry’s name has been in NHL trade rumours for months now, and things could be picking up. Petry’s play has improved dramatically under new head coach Martin St. Louis, and it could lead to more teams being interested in his services leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline on March 21st.

One of those teams reported to have expressed interest in Petry is the Philadelphia Flyers; another team dominating the NHL trade rumour mill. The 34-year-old defenseman has now been linked to the Flyers numerous times this week, and most recently by Elliotte Friedman on Friday morning. The potential for a Petry trade before the March 21st NHL Trade Deadline has grown significantly in recent weeks, and it seems like the Flyers could be looking to add the veteran to solidify their back-end before next season.

The Petry Situation

Petry’s name has been all over the NHL trade rumour mill for the better part of the last two months after it was hinted that he’d welcome a trade, should there be a fit.

“We are aware of what’s going on in your life. It’s not the ideal situation for playing. At the same time, you are a part of this team. If there’s an opportunity for a trade that works for both sides, we will trade you,”  said general manager Kent Hughes regarding Petry in an interview with LaPresse back on January 30th

At that time, teams like the Dallas Stars and the Detroit Red Wings already showing interest in Jeff Petry, but evidently, the Canadiens have not yet been able to close a deal for their veteran blueliner, and this is why his name continues to float in NHL trade rumours.

The patience showed by Hughes has certainly paid off early on for the Canadiens, as the hiring of St. Louis has had an impact on Jeff Petry’s resurgence as of late. In the seven games since St. Louis was named head coach, Petry has put up five points in his last seven games, all while playing an average of over 22 minutes a game. Petry is making far fewer mental mistakes and is skating very well all over the ice, while also being more creative with the puck in the offensive and neutral zones. It’s too early to say whether Petry has returned to his past form, but he’s certainly trending in the right direction.

The Flyers have been upfront with wanting to add elite talent at the draft this year while looking to be competitive as soon as next year. If they’re looking to move on from Ristolainen and be a fixture in next year’s playoff picture, Petry could bring the mobility and possession-oriented style that the Flyers are currently lacking on the right side of their defence.

With Hughes wanting the Canadiens to be an active player in this summer’s free agent market, moving on from Petry’s contract and maximizing his return before NHL Trade Deadline could be a win-win scenario for both teams.