Jeff Petry: The redemption of Detroit Red Wings most polarizing defenseman

If you know me or follow me on X (formerly known as Twitter), you would know that I've been a staunch defender of Jeff Petry since he joined the Red Wings in the offseason after being traded from Montreal.

While I know some fans don't like that Jeff Petry even exists, let alone him being on their favorite NHL team. He hasn't been nearly as bad as many people thought. Unfortunately, Petry was picked to be last season's "scapegoat" for the Red Wings fanbase. Much like Ben Chiarot was the season before, and Danny DeKeyser the year before that. Honestly, What is it with the Red Wings and our defensemen?

While, Petry is basically the best defenseman never to win the Norris trophy, he stepped up his game in the later part of the season, and he even saved the season a time or two down the stretch.

Petry Struggled for a bit but ended up being the season savior several times

While it pains me to admit it, even I noticed that Petry struggled for a bit after he joined the Red Wings. Being reunited with former Montreal Canadiens defense partner Ben Chiarot the first half of the season was pretty rough for "Peaches". Even with Chiarot improving his play this past season, both played a similar style of hockey and, unfortunately, they don't lean towards the "defensive" end of the scale.

Some poorly timed offensive zone pinches or defensive miscues cost the Red Wings a few more goals than I'm sure they would've liked. Petry wasn't able to adequately make up for it offensively. The tipping point for many Red Wings fans was around December when he would make some of the most obnoxious and simple mistakes that would cause at least a chance against, if not a goal against.

It wasn't until the last half of the season that he picked up his game. Being paired with Red Wings defensive prospect Simon Edvinsson seemed to flip a switch inside of him, making him go from liability to mentor almost immediately after being paired with the young Swede.

During the last stretch of the season, Petry scored timely goals and made a few defensive plays that saved the Red Wings season in several games. While he still may not be in the good graces of many Red Wings fans, there is enough reason to assume that Petry will maintain that form next season. Especially since it's the last year of his contract and with him turning 37 in December of this year, it's very possible that this could be his final year in the NHL.