We could soon see a turnaround in the Jeff Petry file

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Jeff Drouin
April 29, 2022 (3:09 PM)

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Jeff Petry's season has been a roller coaster ride. After a rather catastrophic start, things have turned around for him in the last two months.

The Canadiens' defenseman has somehow managed to redeem his poor start to the season. Since the arrival of Martin St-Louis behind the bench, he has collected 20 points in 29 games, including a solid two-goal performance in Wednesday night's win over the New York Rangers.

But despite this turnaround, most experts still claim that number 26 will probably be traded this off-season. However, as reported by Raphaël Simard of Danslescoulisses.com, there is one who sees the American defenseman returning to the team next year.

Former NHL defenseman Philippe Boucher was on TVA Sports' JiC show, hosted by Jean-Charles Lajoie, and he mentioned that Kent Hughes should consider keeping Petry with the team.

"Why not? When he's invested and committed, he's a good player. Unfortunately, he hasn't been this season."

Also according to Boucher, adding another veteran right-hander to the blue line could alleviate his responsibilities while remaining on the second pair and he also mentions that Petry can be part of the short-term solution if he spends the next campaign with the Habs.

"The decisions have yet to be made. I liked how he played (Sunday). It doesn't erase his season, but I think the scenario that we send him somewhere else and get something in return isn't really there. The young defensemen are going to need some help."

"He's a good hockey player. His family will probably come back to Montreal, you have to understand that. It hasn't been an easy year for him or many players in the National League with the COVID. Things are coming back together."

Boucher's arguments are still quite revealing about whether Petry would still have his uses with the Habs. However, if Kent Hughes' plan remains to trade him in the summer, he could see his value increase due to his strong finish to the season, despite the fact that he still has three more years left on his contract at $6.25 million per season.

What would you do if you were the Habs management? Trade him or keep him?

A few weeks ago, it seemed official and settled that he was going to be traded this summer, but could we see a reversal of fortune? We may have the answer soon, with the season review that will be done tomorrow.