Okay, here’s what I’ve Tweeted regarding the Red Wings’ trade for Jeff Petry from Montreal:
I had a feeling that the Red Wings weren't done, and I still think that they aren't done.
— George Malik (@georgemalik) August 15, 2023
The Wings needed a right-shot defenseman, and Jeff Petry for 2 years at $2.34 million is okay, especially for Lindstrom and a 4th.
They could still use a scoring winger, too. We'll see!
Yes, Petry is 35 years old, but he’s still a very strong skater, and he can post 30-35 points on the right point. He’s coming in on a $2.34 million cap hit, and in terms of real-world salary, he’s going to cost the Wings $2.8125 million this season, and only $1.875 million next season.
That’s very reasonable for someone who’s essentially coming in to replace Filip Hronek until the Wings can bring in a younger right-side defenseman (or one of their lefties steps up and takes the spot).
I’m not thrilled that the Wings gave up Gustav Lindstrom, upper-body strength issues included, but Lindstrom and a conditional 4th round pick are very reasonable rates for someone with Petry’s track record.
Moreover, the Red Wings now have a depth chart on defense that goes seven defensemen deep–Seider, Walman, Maatta, Petry, Gostisbehere, Holl and Chiarot, not counting the youngsters like Edvinsson or Wallinder–and there are going to be injuries on defense, so you have to build your forward corps and defensive corps deeper than 12 + 6.
Overall, I mean, no, it’s not ideal to be adding another guy in his mid-30’s, who’s signed next year as well as this one, but Petry addresses a need, he’s a hometown guy, his skating is strong and he’s got some savvy, as well as a track record of scoring 35+ points…
And the Wings didn’t pay much for him. So this works.
Now we’ll see whether they bring in one more scoring winger.
