NHL Rumors: Montreal Canadiens Moving Defenseman in Offseason

While the Montreal Canadiens were very busy at the trade deadline, defenseman Jeff Petry did not get moved. Turns out that's likely to change come summer time as reports are suggesting Petry will be traded this upcoming offseason.

The 34-year-old right-handed defenseman is signed through the 2024-25 season at $6.25 million per season. He holds no-trade protection against 15 teams and it's expected the club will field some offers this summer. Due to this salary, Montreal will likely retain some salary in any move.

This season Petry started horribly, but has come on of late, recording a total of 16 points in 56 games. The Florida Panthers, St Louis Blues and Edmonton Oilers all reached out to the Canadiens at different parts of the season but obviously nothing materialized. 

That Barron is a right defenceman is a premium here for MTL. Especially with Jeff Petry likely moving in the off-season.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 21, 2022

Not going to happen but how good would Jeff Petry look on the #Oilers right now on the top pairing with Nurse? pic.twitter.com/6bP3RrKUGE

— Paul Almeida (@AzorcanGlobal) March 21, 2022

Jeff Petry has had a rough season, but there's no reason to trade him now.

He's had 10 pts in 15 gms under MSL (a 54-pt pace). Yes he's still inconsistent, but his body of work is 📈📈

Ride out the season with the Habs and there will be interest in the summer.@MTLhockeynow https://t.co/2gKrNRaKHV

— Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) March 17, 2022

With the deadline in the rearview, what about the deals that didn't happen? @irfgaffar @DennisTFP & I discuss the futures of #Yotes Jakob Chychrun, #GoHabsGo Jeff Petry & #Canucks Conor Garland (+Dubas v Davidson) as we wrap our trade deadline coverage, presented by @betwaycanada pic.twitter.com/pOCFY3l90r

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 22, 2022

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports