Petry Close to Being Ready to Play

Injured  right shot defenseman Jeff Petry is moving closer to being ready to return to a Detroit Red Wings team that isn’t the same as it was when he left.

Petry’s second pairing spot is now owned by rookie Albert Johansson who has earned solid reviews for what he is contributing to the Red Wings.

“(Petry) got involved in practice for the first time (Monday),” coach Todd McLellan said. “He’s been involved wrestling around the corners a little bit, but this was his first go at actually being involved with the team.”

McLellan talked to him after Monday’s practice. “He said he felt pretty confident, which is a good sign,” McLellan said.

But he’s certainly not playing tonight against Washington, and there doesn’t seem to be a timeline for his return. News of Jeff Petry’s surgery broke Feb. 2 and he was projected to be out six to eight weeks.

He’s been out 44 says, which is two days beyond six weeks. If he is not ready during the current four-game road trip, he should be ready when they return home next week.

Practice Ready isn’t Game Ready

“He needs some time now,” McLellan said. “He’s been out for a while and just needs to get back to being able to be productive at this time of the year. The game has ramped up since he’s. So he’s got to get back to where he was before and maybe more to stay in.

Presuming there is a desire to keep Simon Edvinson and Johansson on the second pairing, Petry may be competing with fellow right shot defenseman Justin Holl on the third pairing.

The issue there is Holl has been a solid performer of late. He hasn’t had a minus-performance in eight games. He’s plus-3 in his past four games.

When Petry is ready to play, William Lagesson will be returned to Grand Rapids.