Panthers’ Petry Caps Milestone Season With Winter Classic Debut

After his 1,000th career NHL game in November, Florida Panthers defenseman Jeff Petry is participating in the first-ever Winter Classic in the Sunshine State.

Jeff Petry (2) of the Florida Panthers in action against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2025. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

What a memorable NHL season Jeff Petry is having.

Earlier this season, Panthers’ defenseman Petry, 38, became the 409th skater in NHL history to reach the 1,000th game plateau. Skating on the sheet of ice at the home of the Miami Marlins will be game 1,019, and climbing. For the first time in his 16-season NHL career, Petry will to experience the challenges and pageantry of what is the Winter Classic.

Friday’s 8 p.m. ET start for the NHL’s Winter Classic game between the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers is a bit of a gamble; the average high temperature in Miami in January is a balmy 76 degrees. Playing professional hockey in an MLB stadium, outside, is a first for the “Sunshine State.” But, playing NHL regular season games outdoors has become routine in other areas of North America. Friday’s game at LoanDepot Park is the 44th time since 2003 that the NHL has staged their signature in-season event outside an indoor arena.

For Petry, the Winter Classic represents the cherry on top of his celebrated NHL career. Before signing as an unrestricted free agent with the Panthers last July, having an opportunity to skate in the outdoor game, let alone reach his 1,000th career game wasn’t a sure thing. Florida signed Petry to a team-friendly $775,000, one-year contract. Thus far, the Panthers find themselves in fifth place in the Atlantic Division, trailing by seven points the division-leading Detroit Red Wings, the team Petry skated with the previous two seasons.

Petry began his pro career after three seasons at Michigan State University in the 2009–2010 American Hockey League after being drafted in the second round by the Edmonton Oilers—potential Stanley Cup champions. The Panthers have appeared in the last three Cup Finals, winning the last two NHL championships over the Oilers. Veteran leadership at the blue line is what the Panthers are banking on from Petry. A three-peat champion in the NHL hasn’t been scored since the 1980 New York Islanders won the Stanley Cup from 1980–1982. A fourth consecutive Stanley Cup was run up by the Islanders in 1983.

Sergei Bobrovsky (72) and Jeff Petry (2) of the Florida Panthers practice prior to the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic against the New York Rangers at LoanDepot park in Miami, Fla., on Jan. 1, 2026 . Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Of the more than 7,000-plus who have played in the NHL’s 108 years of operation, some of the greatest names to have skated didn’t register 1,000 games. Hall of Famers Bobby Orr (657 games) and Mario Lemieux (915 games) failed to reach 1,000 games in their incredible careers. Injuries and illnesses kept them from continuing on as All-Stars.

However, Petry isn’t alone this season in being recognized for his longevity and durability in the NHL. Edmonton’s Adam Henrique, formerly of the New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Ducks, reached and surpassed the 1,000 game mark earlier this season. Henrique’s teammate, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, having spent all 14 seasons of his NHL career with the Oilers, is currently at 991 games skated. Winnipeg Jets’ Nino Niederreiter also joined the exclusive 1,000-game club this season, in a game against the Washington Capitals. He currently is at 1,007 games skated.

Approximately 5 percent of NHL skaters reach the 1,000-game club. Perry has trained well to escape major injuries that would have kept him out of the lineup for extended periods. During his 16 seasons, Petry has twice skated in all 82-regular season games, and twice he took the ice for 80 games in a season. While a member of the Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Red Wings, and with this season’s Panthers, Petry has averaged appearing in 63 games per season.

In an NHL game, the average skater will skate between two and three miles, up and down the rink. For Petry, he has recorded in excess of 3,000 miles during his career.

Among Petry’s biggest supporters throughout his chase to his 1,000th NHL game is his father Dan Petry. A former MLB All-Star pitcher for 13 season, but best remembered for his 11 campaigns with the Detroit Tigers, Dan Petry is a member of the 1984 World Series championship team in the “Motor City.”

The Panthers, who play regular season home games at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, for the Winter Classic, the team will be busing 30 miles southwest to Miami. Panthers’ left wing Matthew Tkachuk is expected to be a scratch from the game with the Rangers due to a groin injury, but center Cole Schwindt began practicing with the team this week, as he attempts to return to the lineup after suffering a broken arm last month in a game against the Vancouver Canucks.