Wild Acquire Veteran Defenseman Jeff Petry from Panthers

Minnesota adds defensive depth ahead of NHL trade deadline

Mar. 5, 2026 at 9:40pm

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The Minnesota Wild have acquired veteran defenseman Jeff Petry from the Florida Panthers in exchange for a 7th round draft pick. Petry, a 16-year NHL veteran, has played in over 1,000 games and provides the Wild with additional defensive depth as they push for the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Wild are one of the top teams in the NHL this season and are looking to bolster their roster ahead of the playoffs. Petry's experience and defensive abilities should help strengthen Minnesota's blue line as they aim to make a deep postseason run.

The details

Jeff Petry has appeared in 56 games for the Panthers this season, recording 8 assists. Over his 16-year NHL career, he has played in 1,039 games, scoring 96 goals and 393 points. Petry has also blocked 1,616 shots and has 48 games of playoff experience, in which he has scored 13 points.

  • The trade was reported on March 5, 2026, ahead of the NHL's trade deadline.

The players

Jeff Petry

A 16-year NHL veteran defenseman who was traded from the Florida Panthers to the Minnesota Wild.

Minnesota Wild

An NHL team that acquired defenseman Jeff Petry from the Florida Panthers to bolster their roster ahead of the playoffs.

Florida Panthers

An NHL team that traded veteran defenseman Jeff Petry to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 7th round draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“[Wild] have acquired D Jeff Perry from [Panthers] in exchange for a 7th round pick.”

— Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider

What’s next

The Wild will look to integrate Petry into their lineup as they continue their push for the playoffs. The team may also explore additional trades before the deadline to further strengthen their roster.

The takeaway

The Wild's acquisition of veteran defenseman Jeff Petry demonstrates their commitment to improving their team for a deep playoff run. Petry's experience and defensive abilities should provide a boost to Minnesota's blue line as they aim to contend for the Stanley Cup.