The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan has filed his fine daily notebook, and in it, he discusses David Perron’s desire to help the Red Wings’ cause this upcoming season, the goaltending competition between Alex Nedeljkovic and Ville Husso, and more:
Signed as an unrestricted free agent in July, Perron figures to strengthen the Wings in a variety of ways. Scoring goals, particularly on the power play which has been a Wings’ weakness, defensively, leadership, and just a certain veteran pedigree that is invaluable, especially on a younger team.
“What has been real exciting about David and talking to him through the summer, is he self admitted he evolved within his career,” coach Derek Lalonde said. “His work ethic, his approach, and it’s an unbelievable example of where he is now. He expects practice to be at a high pace and he wants guys to work throughout the entire practice. He’s embracing that role.”
At this stage in his career Perron, 34, is keenly focused on team goals.
“Just help the team move forward,” Perron said. “At this stage of my career, I want to be a difference-maker on the ice, still bring some of the stuff I was doing in St. Louis, and it’s just finding chemistry with guys and finding the right linemates. But team-wise is where I want to make a difference, leadership-wise, kind of being an extension of the coaching staff, kind of preaching the right stuff in the room by talking and my play on the ice, and making sure the staples defensively and throughout our system are there each and every night.”
