Quoting: DeadWingsv2
No, it just proves that I'm not a Montreal slappy, like you. I've not watched them all, but I've seen quite a few Habs games this year and he has visibly slowed down. If you don't notice that, what are you even watching? He's on the books for 6.25m through age 37 in a league where speed matters. If you think he's good, then keep him and enjoy that contract.
Petry's mobility has not changed, his deployment has. He's gone from a 55/45 offensive split, to 45/55 defensive.
Combine that with Ducharme's obviously flawed system, the lack of a top 4 RD behind him, no steady partner (especially with injuries), Montreal's lack of scoring and PP success, mental struggles due to separation from family, etc.
There's no single reason Petry has had a less productive than usual season. Age barely registers as one of them. He's the same player, the situation is the variable.
He has 14 points in his last 22 games. He's coming around since Montreal has replaced Ducharme, Edmundsson has returned, scoring is up, and the trade issue is temporarily on hold. With the off season approaching, seeing family is less difficult to manage and more of something to look forward to.
His contract only becomes a problem when his age does affect his performance, which has NOT been the case as of yet. One of the worst contracts in the league is a ridiculous take. You obviously haven't watched enough or have confirmation bias.