NHL TRADE: Minnesota Wild Add Blueline Depth, Acquire Jeff Petry From Panthers

Minnesota Wild defenceman Jeff Petry skates while a member of the Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers have entered the seller's market as we approach the trade deadline, sending veteran defenseman Jeff Petry to the Minnesota Wild for a conditional 7th-round pick.

We have acquired Jeff Petry from the Florida Panthers.

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— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 5, 2026

The pick has a unique condition on it: It becomes a fifth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft if Minnesota wins two playoff rounds and Petry plays in 50% or more of the Wild’s playoff games during those first two rounds.

Petry, a strong, sizeable two-way d-man, is a solid puck-mover with a big shot. He was a regular contributor in triple-digits in hits and blocked shots throughout most of his career, though at age 38, he doesn't throw the body around quite as much in the past couple of seasons.

His offense has also taken a big drop-off, with no goals and eight assists through 58 games. He's now a depth defenseman on the third pairing, but his veteran know-how will be a nice add for the Wild. He's on a one-year deal at the league minimum of $775,000.

The 6'3", 207-pound right-shot D, in 1,039 regular-season games, has recorded 1,745 shots on goal, 1,616 blocked shots and 2,090 hits.

Petry was originally selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round (#45 overall) back in the 2006 NHL Draft.