Between now and March 2nd, the Edmonton Oilers will likely make a move or two. The team has already traded F David Perron, and has two pending UFA’s likely to move as well. One is G Viktor Fasth, who has played his way out of Edmonton with his start this year, and the other is D Jeff Petry.
Petry is Edmonton’s best defender, the only guy on the team will a complete skill set. Petry has the ability to move the puck up the ice, is a possession defender, and is solid in his own end. He’s not overly physical, but he isn’t afraid, and he’s a guy that’s usually in good position defensively.
Petry’s about to enter his prime, and still has years left on his legs. He’s the kind of player Edmonton needs more of, not less of. Regardless of what I think, it looks like Edmonton is going to trade Petry before the deadline. Where will he go? I take a look at the best fits.
Tampa Bay Lightning: The Bolts are a threat to win the East this season. They have the top-end talent, scoring depth, a stud defender in Victor Hedman and a star goalie in Ben Bishop. Normally, they have defensive depth, but recently lost that due to an injury to puck-mover Matt Carle.
Carle is expected to miss two months, putting a damper on Tampa’s right-side. Enter Jeff Petry, who is a perfect guy to slide in behind Anton Stralman on the second pairing. Tampa Bay has a need, and has realistic hopes of going deep. The fit is there, and Edmonton wouldn’t have to worry about moving Petry within the division or even conference.
Boston Bruins: The Bruins are a team with two pressing needs, a top-six winger and a top-four defender. The Bruins are still looking to replace Iginla and Boychuk, and are under a lot of pressure to improve the team. Rookie David Pasternak has slowed the pressure up front, but the defense still needs some help.
Zdeno Chara is getting up there in age, and Dennis Seidenberg has not been as effective this season. While Petry isn’t the same player type as Boychuk, he’s a guy with a skill level that can slide into Boston’s second pairing and be effective.
He’d add a puck-moving presence to the B’s, and be complemented with a physical defender, likely in the form of either Seidenberg or Adam McQuaid.
New York Rangers: Let’s be honest here, the Rangers are always looking to bolster their club. New York also likely is feeling pressure from the Islanders’ recent success, and needs another piece or two to set up another lengthy post-season run.
Defensive depth is always an issue in New York, and adding a top-four guy in Petry can only help. Matt Hunwick is merely a depth guy who Petry is a huge upgrade over, and Petry can take some pressure off of the veteran Dan Boyle. On the right side, the Rangers could use some young depth behind Dan Girardi, and Petry is exactly that.
Detroit Red Wings: This one makes the most sense. Detroit’s depth on the right side is not good at all, and the rumors have had the Wings heavily interested in Petry since the summer. Niklas Kronwall is a star, but Danny DeKeyser is still young and Xavier Ouellet is learning the NHL game right now.
The Wings could use a more steady hand on the right side for a potential playoff run, and Petry fits the bill. Not only is he from the area, but Petry also perfectly fits the style of hockey that Detroit plays, puck possession and occasionally physical. Petry screams Red Wings to me.
The Ask:
What will it coast to snag Jeff Petry from Edmonton? Without a bidding war, I think you are looking at a second or third round draft pick depending on the team. For example, the Red Wings, who are a little more desperate, might be willing to go with giving you a second rounder in this case.
If a bidding war opens up, I could see Edmonton getting a late first, or a second and a mid-level prospect in return. Either way, you are trading a proven and ready top-four defender for futures that likely won’t be helping you for three-to-four seasons. That’s not a smart hockey move, but this is the spot Edmonton is in. Hopefully they have a replacement (hello Johnny Boychuk) in mind for next season.
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