Quoting: OldNYIfan
With the proviso that I proved to be very bad at predicting returns Hughes would get at the trade deadline, I think that Petry's value is pretty much what you see here: a second-round pick and a good prospect. Teams like Detroit and Los Angeles and the one you hint at don't need him and probably won't be interested in him. But there are teams that could easily be looking for a veteran RD to match with developing youngsters -- not just for his on-ice mentorship, but also his leadership and insight into what it takes to compete in the playoffs. There are factors that will severely affect what he goes for and where: (1) his NTC that excludes half the league; (2) his physical condition; and (3) how he plays the rest of the season. And his contract, with three years left, isn't as appealing as you may think. Nevertheless, Arizona, for sure, will be interested; Seattle may be; Dallas might if they lose Klingberg; Philadelphia isn't beyond the realm of comprehension; and even Buffalo might put in a bid.
As you may have guessed, my earlier comment was based upon fit, and the oft-repeated, usually unanimous response of Detroit adherents to prior presentations of this trade, rather than objection to his "hockey value."
I mostly agree with everything you just said. Most Habs fans think they can get a 'Bourque and a 2nd' type of return for Petry, but i think that's too much. If Hughes plays his cards well, maybe we add to Petry and get Bourque or another good prospect. A trade with the Stars would probably look like Petry and EDM 2022 2nd for Bourque. And like you said, only if Klinkberg leave.
Buffalo's GM said he wanted to add 1 or 2 RHD vets to play with Dahlin and Powers. Maybe getting their 2nd round pick this year (high 2nd) and a decent prospect (2nd-3rd round pick in last 2 years) isn't bad. And Buffalo is close enough to Detroit, probably not on his no-trade list.
Philly should rebuild, but they never will. They might trade for Petry, don't know what the return would look like. Maybe their 2022 2nd and a decent prospect, like Buffalo's trade.
Not sure about Arizona or Seattle, they are in full rebuild, but if they think they can buy low and sell high later on Petry, maybe they do it if the price is right. And MTL get some cap space.