Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jeff Petry

How Jeff Petry built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jeff Petry is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Florida Panthers in the NHL. He has played for the Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Known for his offensive capabilities from the blue line, he is a right-handed shot known for solid defensive play and skating ability.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 2005: Joins Des Moines Buccaneers

In November 2005, Jeff Petry left St. Mary's Preparatory prior to his senior season to play for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL.

2006: Tier 1 National Championship

In 2006, Jeff Petry was a member of the Des Moines Buccaneers team that won the Tier 1 National Championship.

2006: Drafted by the Edmonton Oilers

In 2006, Jeff Petry was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft, 45th overall. He was their highest draft pick that year. He then played the following season with the Des Moines Buccaneers.

2007: Joins Michigan State University

In 2007, Jeff Petry accepted a scholarship with Michigan State University. During his freshman year, he registered 24 points and was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team.

March 10, 2010: Signs with Edmonton Oilers

On March 10, 2010, Jeff Petry signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Following this, he was assigned to the Springfield Falcons of the AHL and played his first professional game on March 26.

September 30, 2010: Assigned to Oklahoma City Barons

On September 30, 2010, Jeff Petry was assigned by the Edmonton Oilers to their AHL affiliate, the Oklahoma City Barons, for its inaugural season.

December 28, 2010: NHL Debut

On December 28, 2010, Jeff Petry made his NHL debut against the Buffalo Sabres and recorded his first NHL point, an assist on a goal by Ryan Jones.

2010: Joins Edmonton Oilers

In 2010, Jeff Petry began playing for the Edmonton Oilers organization, marking the start of his NHL career.

January 20, 2011: First NHL Goal

On January 20, 2011, Jeff Petry scored his first NHL goal against Kari Lehtonen of the Dallas Stars.

February 4, 2011: Reassigned to Oklahoma City Barons

On February 4, 2011, Jeff Petry was reassigned back to the Oklahoma City Barons.

2011: Leads Oilers Defensemen in Points

In 2011, Jeff Petry led all Edmonton Oilers defensemen in points, with 25, and was trusted into a shutdown role alongside Ladislav Šmíd, marking an improvement in his second NHL season.

2011: Assigned and Recalled

In 2011, Jeff Petry started the season on Edmonton's NHL roster, played three games, was assigned to Oklahoma City, and then was recalled back to Edmonton after two AHL games, where he remained for the season, playing 73 games.

June 7, 2012: Re-signs with the Oilers

On June 7, 2012, Jeff Petry re-signed a two-year, $3.4 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

2012: Plays for Team USA

In 2012, after the Oilers missed the playoffs, Jeff Petry played for Team USA at the IIHF World Championship, amassing six points in nine games.

2013: Bronze Medal at IIHF World Championship

In 2013, Jeff Petry represented the United States at the IIHF World Championship, winning a bronze medal. He was scoreless in ten games.

2014: Plays for the Oilers

During the 2014-15 season, Jeff Petry played for the Edmonton Oilers before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens on March 2, 2015.

March 2, 2015: Traded to Montreal Canadiens

On March 2, 2015, Jeff Petry was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a 2015 second-round draft pick and conditional fifth-round pick.

June 2, 2015: Signs Contract Extension with Canadiens

On June 2, 2015, Jeff Petry signed a six-year contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens, securing his position with the team until the 2020-21 season.

2015: Traded to Montreal Canadiens

In 2015, Jeff Petry was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Montreal Canadiens, marking a significant change in his NHL career.

September 25, 2020: Signs Contract Extension with Canadiens

On September 25, 2020, Jeff Petry signed a four-year, $25 million contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens, solidifying his future with the team.

2020: Productive Season with Canadiens

During the 2020-21 season, Jeff Petry had his most productive season to date, scoring 42 points in 55 games for the Montreal Canadiens.

2020: End of Canadiens Contract

In the 2020-21 season, Jeff Petry's initial six-year contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens, signed in 2015, concluded.

2021: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 2021, Jeff Petry participated in the Canadiens' deep run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He sustained a finger injury and famously played through it, causing blood vessels in his eyes to burst.

July 16, 2022: Traded to Pittsburgh Penguins

On July 16, 2022, Jeff Petry was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins along with Ryan Poehling, in exchange for Mike Matheson and a 2023 fourth-round draft pick.

August 6, 2023: Traded back to Montreal

On August 6, 2023, Jeff Petry was traded back to Montreal along with Casey DeSmith, Nathan Legare, and a 2025 second-round pick in exchange for Rem Pitlick and Mike Hoffman as part of a three-team trade.

August 15, 2023: Traded to Detroit Red Wings

On August 15, 2023, Jeff Petry was traded by the Montreal Canadiens to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Gustav Lindström and a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick.

2023: Penguins Miss Playoffs

In 2023, Jeff Petry played for the Pittsburgh Penguins during a season where they missed the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. There were reports that the team was looking to trade Petry.