Former Penguins D-Man Jeff Petry Already Healthy Scratch for Red Wings

Former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Jeff Petry is already in the press box for the Detroit Red Wings.

Petry, 36, played just one season for the Penguins, who acquired him from the Montreal Canadiens before the 2021-22 NHL season. New Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas traded Petry back to Montreal in August as part of the three-team Erik Karlsson trade on Aug. 6. The Penguins ate more than $1.5 million of Petry’s $6.25 million salary for the next two seasons.

Montreal traded Petry to his hometown Red Wings on Aug. 15.

“Jeff Petry is the odd D-man out. Probably similar to Olli Maatta (who sat out the season opener),” said coach Derek Lalonde. “Don’t like it, but it’s a good luxury to have with our seven D. I’m sure he’ll be right back in on Wednesday, but you never know. Someone like Jeff, who’s obviously a little bit older in his career, hopefully he can take this as a little rest, and when he’s back in, he’s playing at a high level again. He’s given us two good games also so far.”

The Penguins will face the Red Wings on Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena.

In the first two games of the season, Petry had no points and was a minus-2. He was a healthy scratch Monday when the Red Wings visit the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“Petry had a rough first game against New Jersey. He seemed a half step behind. (He) was just OK in Game 2 when coach Derek Lalonde used all seven of his veteran defensemen,” Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen told PHN. “He went back to six (defensemen) and 12 (forwards) for the Columbus game, and Petry was out.

“Based on performance, he has been the No. 7 D man after two games.”