Steve Yzerman makes another big move, acquires veteran defenseman

This just in, the Detroit Red Wings have acquired defenseman Jeff Petry from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Gustav Lindstrom and a conditional 4th round pick in 2025.

Petry, of course, had been acquired by the Canadiens earlier this month in a blockbuster three way trade with the San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins that saw Erik Karlsson shipped to the Penguins.

The most interesting part of this deal to me is the fact that Petry's contract is now being paid by three different teams. While his contract pays him $6.25 million for the next two seasons, the Red Wings will only be on the hook for $2.3 million each season. The Penguins are retaining $1.5 million the next two seasons, while the Habs are retaining $2.3 million themselves.

It might sound stupid for GM Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings to pick up a 35 year old defenseman on a $6.25 million deal, but the risk is mitigated substantially due to salary retention. Petry probably isn't going to contend for the Norris Trophy this season, but he's still a very capable defender and well worth $4.6 million over two years.

Petry's acquisition represents another big move from Yzerman this offseason in an offseason that's been highlighted by massive roster upheaval. Since July 1st, Yzerman has acquired the likes of Klim Kostin, Daniel Sprong, Justin Holl, Shayne Gostisbehere, James Reimer, JT Compher, Alex Lyon, Christian Fischer and Alex DeBrincat. Yowza... and that's following an offseason where Yzerman acquired the likes of Ville Husso, Andrew Copp and Ben Chiarot. Suffice it to say that there's a whole lot of roster shakin' goin' on in Motor City. Whether or not it leads to on ice success though remains to be seen.

It's clear that Yzerman is aggressively trying to accelerate the Red Wings' roster rebuild and these acquisitions should go a long way toward that. I'm skeptical though that the team has the right make up or enough high end firepower to compete for a Stanley Cup as they are currently constructed. Again, it remains to be seen however... so stay tuned.