The Patience of Petry

Despite his strong training camp, preseason play, and fill-in role for an injured Ryan Whitney, Jeff Petry has been sent south to Oklahoma City. Dubbed a "more minutes move" as Whitney indeed returned to the lineup, Petry will instantly become the most important defensive player for the minor league Barons. As a farm watcher, Petry adds a wrinkle to the Barons that, come mid-December and beyond, will be a valuable asset - an intelligent, strong, puck moving defenseman is a hot commodity in any league. He spent half of last season in Oklahoma where his 24 points in 41 games earned the watchful eye of Oilers decision makers.

The Oilers seem to be fully prepared to patiently wait for Petry to improve his game. However, the truth of the matter might rest in the gun-shy nature of management to risk another defenseman on the waiver wire. They were willing to risk Taylor Chorney, but after he was claimed, not another. Thus Jeff Petry will meet up with the Barons for a weekend sked of games against the Grand Rapids Griffins in Oklahoma City. 

If there were a loser in this scenario it has to be Petry himself, who has proven to be an integral and productive part of the Oilers defensive core. We know he can play, he knows he can play, but he'll have to learn to be patient. His future with the Oilers is bright, and given the recent history of Oilers injuries he'll no doubt spend as much time in Edmonton as he does in Oklahoma City. 

What do we think Oilers fans? Good move? Bad Move? What do the defensive pairs look like tonight against the Wild?