The Montreal Canadiens were forced to start the 2018-19 season without their top defenceman. It was a tough bit of news that put a damper on any post-season hopes just days after a disappointing 2017-18 campaign reached its conclusion. The team had struggled on defence even with Shea Weber in the lineup the previous season, and few substantial moves were made in the summer to improve things on the back end.
For many teams, the absence of one of the top players on the club would drop them out of post-season contention entirely. Fortunately for Montreal, they have a player who has shown he can step up to play on the main duo when called upon; the very definition of a top-four defenceman.
October 24, 2018: Jeff Petry continues to provide quality play for the Canadiens
Three weeks into the season, he was tasked with playing the main defensive role for the team, and yet still found a way to contribute to the offence. He was at the centre of attention in a game versus the Calgary Flames, scoring a goal and setting up another while facing the best forwards Western Canada’s top team could offer.
January 5, 2019: The puck-moving talents of Jeff Petry were on display versus the Canucks
With Weber back, Petry was able to offload some of those responsiblities, allowing his game to open up more. It brought more chances for him to use his puck-carrying skills, while also preventing teams from just focusing on closing down one defender’s opportunities. His game helped the team in all three zones, and that was a big reason for Montreal’s mid-season surge.
January 14, 2019: [Highlight] Jeff Petry wins it with a switch-hit single
He was also feeling confident in a game versus the Bruins in Boston, jumping into the play in overtime and capping it off with a memorable finish.
June 19, 2019: Where Montreal Canadiens players and personnel finished in NHL Awards voting
He even got one fifth-place vote for the Norris Trophy after a career season, a nice bit of recognition for his play.
August 7, 2019: Jeff Petry played a vital role for the Canadiens
Montreal tried several players in various blue-line roles in 2018-19, but Petry was a stable member of the top four, allowing for such experimentation without fear of the team’s play crumbling in the process.
It won’t be long before such lineup tweaking is needed for prospects taking their first steps in the league, as the coaching staff sees where each young player fits when he becomes NHL ready. Petry will provide a shoulder to lean on for a prospect until he gets his legs under him.
Despite the performance he’s shown since coming to Montreal, Petry remains an underappreciated member of the team. Even at EOTP, where we all agree on his importance, we only highlighted his play on a handful of occasions over the past year. He’s not a player who often stands out with incredible plays, but he is one who generally does the proper things each night on the ice.
Grade Jeff Petry’s season
| A+ | 150 |
| A | 363 |
| A- | 123 |
| B+ | 70 |
| B | 12 |
| B- | 6 |
| C+ | 1 |
| C | 1 |
| C- | 1 |
| D | 0 |
| F | 0 |
