TSN reports the Edmonton Oilers have traded defenseman Jeff Petry to the Montreal Canadiens for a 2015 second-round pick and a conditional fifth-round pick.
Canadiens acquire Jeff Petry.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin was believed in the market for a veteran defenseman after adding grit to this forward lines by acquiring Devante Smith-Pelly last week. In Petry, the Habs land arguably the best available pending UFA defenseman in the trade market.
He’s a good skater and puck handler with a right-handed shot, which is a prized commodity in this year’s trade market. Petry should be a good playoff rental for the Habs.
The Oilers had no choice to move Petry, who they were unable to re-sign. They get back a decent return to continue their rebuilding. TSN reports if the Canadiens win a playoff round, the conditional pick becomes a fourth-rounder. If they win two rounds, it becomes a third rounder.
Edmonton’s defense just got worse with Petry gone. Expect them to beat the bushes in the offseason to find a veteran puck-moving defenseman.