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Canadiens Signing Jeff Petry Is Smart Move

By Lissa Albert

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Canadiens Signing Jeff Petry Is Smart Move

The Montreal Canadiens announced a six-year contract with defenseman Jeff Petry, to stretch into the 2020-21 season, and to the tune of $33 million. The move was smart, and profoundly beneficial to the team.

To Habs fans hungry for Habs news in these beginning weeks of the Hockey Drought (otherwise known as summer or off-season months), this was enough to cause a mini-explosion on social media. Even Edmonton Oilers fans weighed in:

Habs fans had wanted Petry signed, from the time he began as a Canadiens player. His production in Edmonton was not bad, considering the team: in 59 games, he scored 4 times and got 19 assists. By the time he came to Montreal, he was ready to be part of a winning team. In fact, this would be the first time he would get to experience playoffs.

He took to the role instantly. But it was in playoffs that he shone. He scored twice, with one assist; a rare power-play goal in Game 4 against Tampa Bay, and solid play all the way through the post-season games, Petry was a true presence.

While production is important, defensemen are key to keeping a game in their team’s favor; Petry was always there to clear the puck when needed. Petry not only played the puck, he blocked shots exactly as was needed.

A scary moment for fans came in Game 1 against Tampa Bay; in the first period, Petry blocked a shot from Jason Garrison, using the inside of his leg. He was clearly in pain, and went off the ice (with difficulty), right into the dressing room. He returned in the second (to sighs of relief from fans all over the Twitterverse) and played without looking any worse for the wear.

That’s the kind of warrior Petry is. He’s the kind of guy who leaves it all out on the ice.

The contract details were announced, and everyone has weighed in. Jeff Petry among them:

In a conference call to address media after the announcement was made, Petry had this to say:

"Once I started negotiating with the Canadiens, my wife and I made a decision we really strongly wanted to come back. Everything from the day I got there to the playoff run, the environment at the Bell Centre, the players in the locker-room, the organization just being first-class — that all played into it and played a big part in ultimately signing the deal."

Petry could have held out for free agency, and it is surmised he would have received a bigger contract had he done that. But being in Montreal from March till playoffs were over for the Habs changed that; he clearly wanted to return.

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He fit in perfectly with his new teammates. In his view:

"It’s a quick puck-moving team with a quick transition. That’s something I pride my game on is being a good first passer."

It showed in his style and performance.

There are those who think the Habs are paying too much for Petry’s contract:

But I disagree. Petry was a needed piece of the puzzle.

At 27 years old, he is young, but came to the team fully ready as an NHL’er who was motivated to make a difference. And fans have to look ahead. On the blue line, Andrei Markov, 36 years old, will no doubt be done at the end of his 3 years (to end in 2017), and if not, he will likely sign a one-year deal.

Alexei Emelin has disappointed many fans this season; he had some shining moments, is still a strong physical player but is prone to mistakes. Should he remain with the team, his contract is up at the end of 2018.

Signing Petry was a step in the right direction for the future of the team. With defensemen waiting in the wings – namely Nathan Beaulieu, Greg Pateryn, Jarred Tinordi – the future looks very bright already. Keeping Petry with the team was a priority for general manager Marc Bergevin, who stated:

"He is a solid defenceman with speed and size who acquired valuable playoff experience this year. Jeff is a very good fit within our group of defencemen, and his presence gives us a lot of depth at this position."

With an outlook like Petry’s, it’s key for the Habs to enter into next season with the same optimism they’ve shown all along. And Petry sees it too:

"I felt that the team isn’t far off [from winning a Stanley Cup]. The pieces are there. We’ve got a world-class goaltender and good scoring with guys like Max Pacioretty. That played into the decision as well."

With a winning attitude like that from a player who won hearts and respect from the first time he laced up with the Habs, there are good things to look forward to, next season, and beyond.

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