The Florida Panthers have agreed to terms with veteran defenseman Jeff Petry on a one-year contract. The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, by Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zito.
"Jeff is a skilled, puck-moving defenseman who can contribute quality veteran leadership to our lineup," said Zito. "We are excited that he will join us to supplement our exciting core."
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the deal is worth the league minimum of $775,000 with bonuses. TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reported the deal is for the league minimum plus bonuses.
Petry, 37, is a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The 6-foot-3, 208-pound defenseman has played 981 career games across 15 NHL seasons. He has amassed 385 points (96 goals, 289 assists) and 404 penalty minutes.
In the 2024-25 season, Petry skated in 44 games with the Detroit Red Wings, producing eight points (one goal, seven assists). He averaged 18:54 of ice time. Petry missed 31 games after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed injury on Feb. 2.
Petry was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round (45th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Oilers from 2010-11 to 2014-15 before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens in March 2015. He played for Montreal from 2014-15 to 2021-22. Petry then played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2022-23 before joining the Red Wings.
Petry has also played 48 career playoff games, posting 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists). He helped the Montreal Canadiens reach the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.
Prior to his NHL career, Petry played three seasons (2007-08 to 2009-10) with the Michigan State University Spartans (NCAA), compiling 67 points (9 goals, 58 assists) in 118 games. He served as alternate captain in his second year at Michigan State before being named captain in his third season. He was elected to the NCAA (CCHA) Second All-Star Team and NCAA (West) Second All-American Team in the 2009-10 season.
Internationally, Petry has represented the United States at the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2024 IIHF World Championship, earning a bronze medal in 2013.
Petry's addition is expected to provide veteran leadership and a puck-moving presence to the Panthers' defense. He will likely fill a bottom-pair role. The Panthers are the back-to-back 2024 & 2025 Stanley Cup Champions.
