Montreal Canadiens: Season Expectations for Jeff Petry
Jeff Petry has been a key contributor for the Montreal Canadiens since his arrival in 2015. The Habs need the 29-year-old defenceman to keep up his play.
Jeff Petry is perhaps the most underrated player on the Montreal Canadiens. Slotting behind P.K. Subban and Shea Weber the past two seasons, the Michigan native has played a second pair in all-situations role with the Habs.
The 2016-2017 season was a successful one for Jeff Petry 5v5. Playing mostly with Andrei Markov, Petry had 52.2% defensive zone starts and still owned a +3.2 Relative Corsi For%. His 0.85 5v5 points per 60 places him among the likes of Justin Faulk, Oscar Klefbom, and Ryan Suter.
Petry also played in both power play and shorthanded situations. Featuring mostly on the second power play unit, he produced 7 power play points. Shorthanded, Petry played 144:18 minutes (3rd among dmen) and was on ice for 12 goals against.
Related Story: Breaking Down the Power Play
A New Partner
Jeff Petry spent almost all of his 5v5 ice time last season with Andrei Markov, Alexei Emelin, and Nathan Beaulieu – all of whom are no longer in Montreal. This leaves Claude Julien with the task of finding Petry a new partner.
One option is Jordie Benn. Not only did the two play together during the playoffs, Benn and Petry were the only two Montreal defensemen to own a Corsi For% over 55 in the 6 game series. While it is a small sample size, it is worth seeing what the pair can do with more time together next season.
Another option is the recently acquired David Schlemko. The 30-year-old left handed defenseman spent last season on the 3rd with Justin Braun. When Schlemko was on the ice, the San Jose Sharks fared better in Corsi for% and Goals For% compared to when he was off the ice. In Montreal, Schlemko would be receiving a bit of a larger role, but his results in San Jose indicate that he could handle it.
Related Story: David Schlemko, The Wild Card
Season Projections
Barring an injury to Shea Weber, Petry will spend the whole season on the Montreal Canadiens’ second pair. Regardless of who he ends up being paired with, expect Petry to receive a defensive zone start% around 55. This allows Weber’s pair to get more looks in the offensive zone.
Historically, when Petry plays a close to a full 82 game season, he contributes ~20 even strength points. Add onto that ~10 points from being on the power play, and Petry is looking at a 30 point season.
If Petry does play a full 82 game season, here is what his stat-line could look like:
7 goals – 23 assists – 30 points
What do you expect from Petry this season? Will he take a step forward? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Stats courtesy of Hockeyviz , naturalstattrick , and hockey-reference .