$25 MILLION FOR PETRY

Canadiens sign four-year deal for defenceman

Jeff Petry's love affair with Montreal will continue for a few more years.

The Canadiens announced Friday that Petry has agreed to a four-year contract extension that will carry him through the 202425 season. The contract is worth US$25 million with an annual cap hit of US$6.25 million.

“From Day 1, I felt it was a special place,” Petry said during a video conference call. He said talks began this month and that his goal was to remain with the team.

“We have some good young players like (Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nick Suzuki),” said Petry. “It was great for the young players to experience their first playoffs and we want to get back there.”

The veteran defenceman signed a contract that gives him a raise and some security while providing general manager Marc Bergevin some financial flexibility.

Petry was among seven players eligible to become unrestricted free agents after next season. While goaltender Jake Allen is here for one season, Bergevin still has to deal with Phil Danault, Tomas Tatar, Brendan Gallagher, Joel Armia and Jordan Weal.

Meanwhile, Kotkaniemi and Artturi Lehkonen could become restricted free agents.

Petry, 32, was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers at the trade deadline in 2015. He was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 of that year, but he signed a six-year deal worth US$33 million to remain in Montreal. His cap hit for the coming season will be $5.5 million, but because his contract was front-loaded, his salary will be $4 million.

The 6-foot-3, 201-pounder has joined team captain Weber to solidify the right side of the Canadiens' defence. Petry amassed 40 points, including 11 goals, in 71 games last season. It was his third consecutive 40-point season and he's led the team's defencemen in scoring in each of those campaigns.

He added two goals and an assist in 10 playoff games.

Petry was Montreal's hits leader with 177 this season, and also led the team's defencemen with 30 take-aways.

Through 11 seasons in the NHL, Petry has appeared in 680 regular-season games with the Canadiens and Oilers, recording 253 points (69 goals). He has seven points (five goals) in 25 post-season games.

The Canadiens also announced that centre Joseph Blandisi, acquired from Pittsburgh in a trade on Feb. 20, has agreed to a two-way contract for the coming season.