5 seemingly unreasonable offseason moves that would make complete sense for the Red Wings

Re-signing David Perron

It’s tough to see David Perron returning to Detroit, but letting him walk in free agency would be a major mistake on Steve Yzerman’s part. Perron is heading into his age-36 season, and sure, his presence would block a younger player or prospect who could easily make the Wings lineup otherwise. So on the surface, it would make sense to let him continue his career elsewhere. 

But the Red Wings would also be giving up a physical player who can be reliable on the middle-six, and one still capable of contributing between 45 and 55 points per season. Re-signing Perron to an extension also shouldn’t mean breaking the bank or even giving him a long-term contract. But letting a productive player who can provide veteran leadership for a team that will be a playoff contender walk isn’t the best route. 

Throughout his two seasons with the Red Wings, Perron has played in 158 contests, accruing 41 goals, and 103 points. He’s logged top-six minutes with an average time on ice of 16:18, and he’s also accumulated 218 hits and nearly a half-takeaway per game. At even strength, he’s also put up double-digits in on-ice shooting percentage in both seasons, and Perron has been a valuable asset to the man advantage. 

Advocating to keep Perron around for another year seems counterintuitive to many, but he would be a catalyst in helping this Red Wings team return to the playoffs through both his play on the ice, and overall leadership.