David Perron was a beloved name among Detroit Red Wings fans a few seasons back.
He was gritty and tenacious, physical and forceful -- traits the young team lacked across the board. When Dylan Larkin got injured in a game against the Ottawa Senators, Perron was the only player to stand up to the bullies.
That was in December 2023.
This season, the Red Wings acquired Perron from the Senators for a conditional fourth round pick. In 16 games with the Red Wings, he managed three goals and no assists.
Now, at the end of the 2025-26 season, signs of Perron's age have started to show. Next week, Perron turns 38. It's clear that he isn't 20-25-goal, 45-55-point player he was a few seasons back. But does that mean his time in the Winged Wheel is up? What
Perron isn't who he once was
This last season, between the Senators and the Red Wings, Perron earned the second-lowest point total he's had in his last decade, sporting just 28 points in 65 games. But he didn't just disappear on the scoresheet. Perron was never the fastest player out there, but he certainly doesn't have the pep in his step he had in the past.
When combined with Patrick Kane (37 years old), James van Riemsdyk (36 years old), Justin Faulk (34 years old) and Ben Chiarot (35 years old), it's clear something has to give.
In an ideal world, Perron shifts into a more mentor-like role for a player like Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, helping him to round out his game and become more imposing on the ice. But it's hard to imagine the Red Wings will seek to get older, rather than younger, as they seek the Stanley Cup playoffs.
As nice as it was to have a Detroit-Perron reunion, it's hard to imagine he'll play a role in the coming season(s) in terms of production.
How the Red Wings can replace Perron
Fortunately, the Red Wings have both internal (and external) options to fill Perron's role. If they're looking internally, Brandsegg-Nygard can fill his niche while slowly adjusting to the pace of the NHL. As far as external options go, Detroit's best bet would be Dallas Stars forward Michael Bunting.
You might recognize Bunting's name from the days of Moritz Seider's Calder race. Bunting's been a bit of a journeyman since his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing for the Carolina Hurricanes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators and now the Stars. He's a gritty, physical forward that isn't afraid to be aggressive on the forecheck.
While the 30-year-old isn't the most prolific goal-scorer out there, his production matches (if not exceeds) what Perron would bring to the table next season. He's a perfectly fine player if the Red Wings need a placeholder while Brandsegg-Nygard develops.
All in all, though, despite what Perron has brought in the past, he just doesn't have what it takes to be a major needle-mover for the Red Wings anymore. Perhaps he finds another one-year deal with another club. But, if this is the end of his time in the Winged Wheel, fans can appreciate what he did as a whole vs. how he performed this season.
Final Grade: D
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