Jeff Petry
A steady, physical defenseman who carved out a long NHL career with a powerful shot and quiet consistency.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: December 9·Millennials
Biography
Jeff Petry's path to the NHL was anything but guaranteed, as the son of a former Major League Baseball pitcher who chose the ice over the diamond. Drafted by the Edmonton Oilers, his early years were a lesson in patience, shuttling between the NHL and the minors before finding his footing. A trade to the Montreal Canadiens in 2015 unlocked his potential, where he evolved into a top-four defenseman relied upon in all situations. His game was built on a foundation of size, a deceptively hard point shot, and the ability to log heavy minutes without fanfare. While never a flashy superstar, Petry's value was in his durability and two-way play, moving through teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings before landing with the Minnesota Wild, proving the lasting worth of a reliable blue-liner.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jeff was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jeff Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jeff's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 800 regular-season games in the National Hockey League as a defenseman.
- Recorded a career-high 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists) during the 2018-19 NHL season with the Montreal Canadiens.
- Helped the Montreal Canadiens reach the Stanley Cup Final in the 2021 playoffs.
- Represented the United States at the 2016 IIHF World Championship.
Did You Know?
His father, Dan Petry, was a starting pitcher who won a World Series with the Detroit Tigers in 1984.
He played college hockey for Michigan State University before turning professional.
He was originally a second-round draft pick (45th overall) of the Edmonton Oilers in 2006.
He and his wife, Julie, have two sons, and one is named after former teammate P.K. Subban.
“You have to be ready for your chance, and when you get it, you have to run with it.”
