According to The Athletic, Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill insisted on the team’s need for a right-handed defenseman going into the summer. He feels the lack thereof created an imbalance in the lineup, forcing Miro Heiskanen, a left-handed defenseman, to shift to his off side this season.

“I’ve always been a big lefty-righty guy. Unfortunately, with Stephen Johns, we thought he’d be a part of this but you lose him and his career is over. Klingberg’s been a big part of that and now he’s set for free agency,” said Nill. “We know that and we’re looking to address that in the offseason, whether that’s via free agency or trades. That’s something we’re going to look at.”

Petry had requested a trade last season to be closer to his family, in the states. We know that the Stars were linked to Petry by trade deadline.

But Dallas isn’t the only possible destination for the Canadiens’ defenseman. On his trade targets’ list, Frank Seravalli has him going to Pittsburgh, particularly if the Penguins cannot reach a contract agreement with pending UFA Kristopher Letang. The Pens are in a win now mode.

While he had a horrible first half of last season, Petry finished strong after Martin St-Louis took over as head coach. He had 21 points in 30 games under his new coach and his value has returned to where it was.

A Michigan native, also don’t count out the Detroit Red Wings as a possible destination for Petry. His father played baseball for the Detroit Tigers.

More reading…

• I Believe… What The Habs Will Do by JD Lagrange
• Mock Draft v.2 – Montreal Canadiens by Bob Trask
• The Cost Of Habs Moving Up In The Draft by JD Lagrange