Canadiens Comment On Jeff Petty's Trade Talks
With all eyes set on Montreal for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft this Thursday many are wondering who Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes will take with the first overall selection.
Another topic that's been lingering in Montreal since last season was what the Canadiens are going to do with veteran defenceman Jeff Petry. Like most of the Canadiens roster last season Jeff Petry had a terrible year. The Canadiens Defenceman had the whieght of the world placed on his shoulders after it was revealed Canadiens Captain Shea Weber's career was likely over the Canadiens were hoping Petry could fill that void left by Weber.
Petry has been rumoured to be on the trading block since last-season after being heavily criticized for not defending teammate goaltender Samuel Montembeault when he was ran into by Oilers Zach Kassian.
It's not clear whether or not Jeff Petry will be a Montreal Canadien when training camp begins. However, the Canadiens GM would clear the air on the Petry and the trade rumors and the possibility of a trade.
"There's a possibility he'll be here," Hughes said. "We have to feel comfortable that in trading Jeff Petry, we're advancing the interests of the Montreal Canadiens."
"Hughes said that the fact that wants to be traded is not about Montreal, but rather vaccination issues and family issues, they are expecting a 4th boy.
For example, could they bring their mother-in-law if she is not vaccinated? Hard for a mom to take care of 4 kids while he is on the road." - NHL Watcher
Hughes said "Petry is an important defenseman for the Canadiens, eating up heavy minutes of us." Petry is still under contract with the Canadiens for for three more seasons with a hefty price tag of $6.25 million dollars annually and is 34 years old. If Hughes wants to ship Petry off the Canadiens will likely have to retain a huge chunk of that salary.
