ESPN’s Kristen Shilton posted a list of 6 players who she believes were the best “under-the-radar signings” of the free agency period this summer, and the Red Wings earn a nod for inking David Perron to a 2-year deal:
David Perron, F, Detroit Red Wings
The deal: Two years, $9.5 million
Detroit made a flurry of moves early in free agency. Adding Perron was among their best.
The 34-year-old turned back the clock again last season for the St. Louis Blues, scoring 27 goals and 57 points in 67 regular-season games, then tallied nine goals and 13 points in 12 playoff tilts. It was big-time stuff from a veteran who’s been quite good since joining the Blues for their 2018-19 campaign.
That St. Louis couldn’t find the salary-cap space to hold on to Perron was a disappointment — but not to the Red Wings, who have reeled in a difference-maker on a tidy contract.
Perron is going to produce on the ice in a middle-six role that boosts Detroit’s stable of young, talented forwards. That group started hot last season and ran out of gas; Perron is a firecracker to keep that spark alight. He’s an excellent two-way winger who excels along the perimeter, drives play and will be a valuable asset in raising the bar on Detroit’s power play (which was 26th overall last season). Perron could be just what struggling sniper Jakub Vrana needs in a linemate, bringing veteran presence with enough speed to keep up.
While Andrew Copp‘s signing might have garnered more attention in Detroit — and Copp deserves it — Perron coming on board will have just as immediate an impact. He and Copp could even see playing time together. Detroit’s youth caught up to them last season. Perron has experience that could push the Red Wings to greater heights. And Detroit gets that without a longer-term pact that may have aged poorly. It’s good for everyone.
Continued (paywall); the Red Wings bought themselves depth and depth scoring over the course of the draft (via the Husso trade) and free agency, and Perron provides good depth scoring, as well as a fair amount of snarl. He’s going to be a fan favorite.
