Detroit Red Wings: David Perron’s veteran presence is a godsend
By Tyler Kotila
When the Detroit Red Wings parted ways with one player with a tinted visor (Marc Staal), so they had to bring in another (David Perron). Jokes aside, the Detroit Red Wings went out and found themselves a veteran to add to the team’s forward core.
Detroit Red Wings General Manager (GM) Steve Yzerman signed forward David Perron to a two-year, $4.75 million contract this summer. He brought in the 34-year-old forward as a veteran forward who has jumped right in and found his footing in a new home.
After 16 seasons with five different teams, Perron added a sixth to his resume. He had been with the St. Louis Blues for the last four seasons after he spent the first seven of his career there. Perron has settled in nicely with the Red Wings, and the offense is showing already.
He’s been a real addition in multiple ways. Perron adds valuable presence to the locker room and the lineup night in and night out. He’s been producing, and his shooting has been a real benefit for the Red Wings.
Detroit Red Wings are benefitting from the addition of David Perron.
It’s not often that bringing in a 34-year-old can be the most exciting contract, but Perron has really been a quality addition to the team’s forward core. Through his first 25 games wearing the winged wheel, he has produced eight goals and 12 assists for 20 total points.
Beyond that, he has posted the third-highest number of shots on goal this season, with the second-highest shooting percentage, behind only Dominik Kubalík. He has been someone who gets pucks on net.
He has helped out on the power play as well. He has two goals and six assists on the powerplay, being able to find the open man and set up scoring chances often. He’s been just another reason that the team’s powerplay unit has improved vastly in 2022-23.
It’s been a massive uptick in performance, and Perron’s ability to distribute the puck and find the open man has been impeccable.
Perron has also been able to show that veteran style, not being afraid to get dirty. He’s in the top five on the team amongst forwards when it comes to blocked shots. He’s playing a complete game, and the Red Wings have to be thrilled with their investment.
Trending. Red Wings: Taro Hirose deserves another look in Detroit. light
He’s a well-liked player in the hockey world, and the Blues organization certainly cannot be happy to see him go. He’s been able to get a fresh start in Detroit, and it’s been a good one. Bringing in Perron was a splendid addition to the Red Wings.