The Florida Panthers extended a warm welcome to new defenseman Jeff Petry and his wife, Julie, upon their arrival in South Florida. The team presented them with a care package, which Julie shared in a photo on her Instagram story, highlighting the Panthers’ friendly gesture. This package included a bottle of red wine, a black Yeti cooler bag, two caps—one red featuring the Panthers logo and another cream-and-red from Stay True Co. labeled Palm Tree Crew—and a red Panthers towel featuring a handwritten note from the Florida Hockey Ops Team.
“Jeff + Jules, Welcome to the Panthers family! From the Florida Hockey Ops Team”
Jeff Petry’s Early Days and Contract Details with the Panthers
Petry recently finalized a one-year contract worth $775,000 to join the Florida Panthers. At 37 years old, he appeared in 44 games last season for the Detroit Red Wings, scoring one goal and providing seven assists. Prior to his stint in Detroit, Petry spent part of the 2022-23 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, playing alongside stars such as Sidney Crosby. Petry’s inclusion adds veteran depth to a Panthers team known for its championship pedigree.
Veteran Defenseman’s Career Overview and Playoff Experience
Over the course of 15 NHL seasons, Jeff Petry has played in 981 games. His career includes time with the Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Detroit Red Wings. Throughout his NHL tenure, Petry has amassed 385 points and contributed 13 points in 48 playoff games. Despite an extensive career, Petry has yet to secure a Stanley Cup ring, though he helped lead the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. Joining the Panthers, who are consecutive Stanley Cup champions, gives him an opportunity to pursue that ultimate achievement.
Panthers’ Strategy and General Manager Bill Zito’s Perspective
With the Florida Panthers capturing the Stanley Cup titles in both 2024 and 2025—defeating the Edmonton Oilers in the finals twice—the team has been reinforcing its roster with experienced players like Petry. General Manager Bill Zito praised Petry’s skill and leadership, highlighting his ability as a puck-moving defenseman who will add valuable depth to the Panthers’ defensive corps.
“Jeff (Petry) is a skilled, puck-moving defenseman who can contribute quality veteran leadership,” Zito said, via NHL.com. “We are excited that he will join us.”
Zito emphasized Petry’s role in supporting the Panthers’ strong core, which includes captain Aleksander Barkov, forwards Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, and Sam Reinhart, signaling a commitment to balancing experience with emerging talent.
Looking Ahead: Petry’s Role in a Championship-Caliber Team
The arrival of Jeff Petry reinforces the Florida Panthers’ focused approach to maintaining their status as a leading NHL franchise. As a seasoned defenseman with significant playoff experience, Petry is expected to strengthen the team’s blue line and bring veteran insight to high-pressure games. His addition may play a crucial part in the Panthers’ continued quest for more Stanley Cup victories in upcoming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Jeff Petry’s injury?
A. DETROIT — After an abdominal injury on January 3, Jeff Petry hoped to get back to playing soon. However, he and the Detroit Red Wings’ medical team decided that surgery was the best way for him to heal. As a result, the 37-year-old defenseman will not play until late March in the 2024-25 season.
Q. What is Jeff Petry’s rating in NHL 25?
A. Jeff Petry is a pro hockey player on the Detroit Red Wings, playing as a Right Defense. In NHL 25, his overall rating is 84.