Michel Petit, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey when he was drafted 11th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. Born on February 12, 1964, in St. Malo, Quebec, Petit quickly transitioned from junior hockey to the NHL, making his debut with the Canucks in the 1982-83 season. His early years in Vancouver were marked by his physical style of play and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
During his tenure with the Canucks, Petit developed a reputation for his robust defensive skills and his willingness to engage in the physical aspects of the game. Over the course of five seasons with Vancouver, he became a reliable presence on the blue line, contributing to the team's defensive efforts while also adding occasional offensive support.
In 1988, Petit was traded to the New York Rangers, where he continued to demonstrate his defensive capabilities. His time with the Rangers was relatively short, as he was traded again in 1989 to the Quebec Nordiques. With the Nordiques, Petit played a crucial role in stabilizing the team's defense, although the team struggled to achieve significant success during his tenure.
Petit's career saw him move frequently, as he became known for his adaptability and ability to integrate into different team dynamics. After his stint with the Nordiques, he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1990. His experience and defensive acumen were valuable assets to the Maple Leafs, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Calgary Flames in 1992.
In Calgary, Petit continued to be a steady defensive presence, contributing to the team's efforts in the early 1990s. His journey through the NHL also included stops with the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, and Philadelphia Flyers. Each team benefited from his experience and defensive skills, as he provided depth and stability to their defensive lineups.
Throughout his career, Petit was known for his physical play and his ability to adapt to various team systems. His NHL journey concluded with the Phoenix Coyotes, where he played his final games in the 1997-98 season. Over the course of his career, Petit played in over 800 NHL games, scoring more than 180 points and amassing over 1,800 penalty minutes.
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