Last night, the Detroit Red Wings acquired forward David Perron from the Ottawa Senators for a conditional fourth round pick. Perron, who played for Detroit for two seasons, returns to Hockeytown with 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points in 49 games. Perron has spent the last few weeks on injured reserve, having suffered a sports hernia in late January.
The devil, as they say, is in the details. What's particularly intriguing about this Perron trade is the stipulation on the draft pick. Per Chris Johnston of The Athletic, if Perron plays a game before the end of the season or during the playoffs, Ottawa receives a 2026 fouth round pick. If the Red Wings advance to the second round of the playoffs and Perron appears in at least 50% of the first round, that fourth round pick becomes a third round pick.
The specificity of this clause is particularly eye-catching. It implies that there's a chance Perron doesn't play a single game for the Red Wings. If that happens, Detroit retains their fourth round pick, essentially nullifying the trade.
But why would the Red Wings include this clause? Is there something Yzerman knows that outsiders don't, or is something bigger in the works?
Perron's ability off the ice
David Perron, above all else, is a leader. “[Perron is] Someone that has been really great for me in this locker room," said captain Dylan Larkin. "We’re completely different people, but he’s vocal, he’s on guys at the right times, he’s able to hold people accountable because he holds himself accountable. A good leader and a good person.”
Perron has over 1,200 career NHL games and 800 points across 19 seasons. He's a Stanley Cup champion and a player known for his tenacity on the ice. Additionally, he's already got some familiarity with the team. The majority of the team has played with Perron before. His perspective on the team's play, especailly from an outsider's standpoint, can give the locker room new ideas.
Perron's played against the Red Wings for two seasons. He knows the ins and outs of the organization and can help the team to cover their bases against their competition. This is a win-win scenario for the Red Wings either way.
Red Wings secure a low risk, moderate reward asset
If Perron doesn't play a single game for the Red Wings, the team receives a pseudo-coach for free. Should Perron play, the Red Wings receive a solid veteran depth forward that can slot in anywhere on the lineup. This, by all accounts, is an extremely low-risk move for the Red Wings.
Having said that, the Red Wings still need to add more before the end of the deadline. The rest of the Atlantic division continues to add assets and nobody is showing any sign of slowing down. If Yzerman believes in this team, he needs to prove it by adding much more than just a 37-year-old forward.