While Jeff Petry continues to pile up the mistakes, the wish of a large part of the fans is to see him leave Montreal. As Eric Engels reported during an intermission in Sunday afternoon's game, trading Petry could be complex, however.
Engels says teams such as the Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings would like to acquire the veteran defenseman, but not at his full salary. These teams would like the Canadian to retain at least 1.5 M$ from Petry's salary, something Hughes does not seem to want.
It seems, as the GM has already mentioned, that a deal including Petry will happen only if the club gets the right price. Here is what the GM said recently on the subject :
«We told him: we are aware of what is going on in your life. This is not the ideal context to play. At the same time, you are part of this team. If there's a chance it will work out on both sides to trade you, we'll trade you. But until this situation arises, you are part of the Canadiens and you have to do your best." -Kent Hughes
If that doesn't happen by the trade deadline of March 21, the whole thing could very well be concluded before the draft, while the teams will then have all summer to adjust their payroll.
