Top NHL Rental Players Still Available on the Trade Market

Dec 31, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jeff Petry (2) skates against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

With Andrej Sekera off the market, Jeff Petry is now the most sought after rental defenseman, which is interesting.

Petry signed a 1-year, $3.075 million deal last summer with Edmonton, and he has been a trooper for a struggling Oilers team this season.

The 27-year-old defenseman has slotted in as a top pairing guy with the Oilers, but on a playoff team, he will be a 4th or 5th defenseman at best.

For that reason, his price will not be nearly as high as Andrej Sekera, who got a 1st round pick and a prospect back for Carolina on Wednesday.

According to reports, the Oilers will look to squeeze out a first round pick in a deal for Petry, but it is certainly not a forgone conclusion that they will, in fact, it is probably unlikely. That being said, some teams get very desperate at the deadline, so let’s not count it out.

There will be a plethora of teams looking for defensive help. The Lightning, Blackhawks, Canadiens, Red Wings, Bruins, Blues, and Capitals are all teams that were reportedly in on Sekera at some point, which means they will likely turn to Petry in Edmonton as their fall back guy.

Next: Zbynek Michalek