Kent Hughes just got an interesting perk to help him trade Jeff Petry
A few days ago, when he met with the media following the opening of the free agent market, Kent Hughes reiterated that his priority was to find a common ground to complete a transaction involving Jeff Petry. However, this transaction is not an emergency and it will only take place if it is good for the organization.
When we look at the last transactions in the NHL, like those involving Brent Burns and Max Pacioretty for example, many think that the value of Petry is currently very low on the market. Especially when you consider that Petry will earn an average salary of $6.25M for three more seasons according to Capfriendly. A contract that, ironically in his situation, was signed in the midst of a pandemic.
One aspect could benefit Hughes in this matter, however, despite the impact of the defenseman's contract on the payroll. As of last Wednesday, Petry is $3M richer as he got his hands on his signing bonus. The team that gets him will only have to pay him $4.5M instead of the $7.5M originally included in his contract for this year. This is a significant element for teams that need to increase their payroll and that are less fortunate. We can think of the Arizona Coyotes and the Buffalo Sabres, just to name a few, who have operating budgets lower than the average of other teams.
Another element that works in Hughes' favor is that he is patient. Sooner or later, a team that is looking for an experienced defenseman and can't get him on the free-agent market is bound to up their offer for Petry. It's a safe bet that John Klingberg is playing hardball right now. In fact, without really saying it, Hughes passed this message to reporters during his last press conference.
A file to follow closely...
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Habs can get a first round pick for Petry? | ||
| Yes | 35 | 41.2 % |
| No, maybe a 2nd rounder | 36 | 42.4 % |
| No, 3rd rounder at best | 14 | 16.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
