Montreal Canadiens: The Three Easy Steps to Contend for Connor Bedard

Canadiens have to Trade Jeff Petry

The first thing the Habs need to do in order to contend for Bedard next season is to move out Jeff Petry. If he was about to continue playing like he did to start the 2021-22 season, keeping him would be a pivotal part of the tank.

However, Petry really turned his game around in the second half, and looked like the calm, savvy, two-way threat that we have come to know. He increased his points per game each season he wore the Habs sweater until this most recent one.

Then he got off to an abysmal start. He was forthright in saying his family was living in Michigan and it clearly impacted his game on the ice. He requested a trade early in the season so he could spend more time with his young family, but with his poor play no one stepped up with a good enough offer.

Petry struggled to just two points in his first 28 games of the season. After Martin St. Louis arrived as head coach, Petry finished the season with 21 points in his final 28 games. That’s a 62 point pace over a full season, showing he still has that offensive edge to his game.

So, if he stays, he will play top pairing minutes and help the team win. If he goes, he could attract a high draft pick or a really good prospect who could help the team down the road. The benefit being, the Canadiens are much closer to getting Connor Bedard if Jeff Petry is playing elsewhere.