Detroit Red Wings acquire Jeff Petry in trade with Montreal

In an unexpected move, The Detroit Red Wings have acquired Jeff Petry in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens, an Atlantic Division rival. In return, Detroit has sent defensemen Gustav Lindstrom and a conditional 4th-round pick in 2025 for the 35-year-old veteran. Petry is the son of Detroit Tigers legend and World Series Champion Dan Petry.

This marks three times that Petry has changed sweaters in the past year. He was most notably involved in the blockbuster trade, including the Penguins’ acquisition of Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson. Montreal will retain 50% of Petry’s’ salary, while Detroit will pay the remaining 37.5% that is left from the previous trade. He becomes fairly cost-effective at a cap hit of only $2.34 million.

The addition of Jeff Petry helps bolster the Detroit Red Wings’ defense core.

Earlier in the summer, it was almost a foregone conclusion that Gustav Lindstrom would not be resigning with the Red Wings and instead taking his talents overseas to Europe. A late decision changed that when both parties agreed to a one-year deal. With Detroit’s free agent additions in Shayne Gostisbehere and Justin Holl, Lindstrom was bound to be spending most nights in the press box, filling his role as the 7th defenseman on the roster. Could this trade result in a similar situation for Petry? Possibly, but I would find it more likely that he will get a significant amount of more ice time than Lindstrom was slated to see this upcoming season.

Even as a veteran that is ” over the hill,” Petry was able to put up 31 points in 61 games played for the Penguins last season, and with Red Wings fans clamoring for an upgraded replacement for Ben Chiarot, his offensive production could be what the doctor ordered. It must be understood, however, that anyone hoping to see prospect Simon Edvinsson as a staple in the lineup should temper expectations. It is currently a much more crowded defenseman group than it was at this time last year.

Jeff Petry will enter his 15th season in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings as a Michigan native.