-During his time at the University of Michigan Jeff Petry played with Jim Nill's son which resulted in Petry/Nill having an extended relationship with one and other-Jeff Petry's wife is originally from Houston, with Dallas being the closest NHL team in proximity to Houston
The biggest challenge facing Kent Hughes though is the play of Petry this season. According to Lavoie "Petry has probably had some of his worst moments in the National Hockey League this season. If that doesn't change by the trade deadline, it would be surprising if he was traded."
At the age of 34, there are likely many teams worried that this season could represent a regression for the veteran. With a cap hit of $6,500,000 for 3 more seasons there are likely teams wondering how much of an anchor that deal could be if this season isn't simply an anomaly.