MLive’s Ansar Khan filed a mid-day article in which he discusses the impact that Red Wings free agent signing David Perron will have upon the team:
“He self-admitted he’s had to evolve within his career on approach, work ethic, habits,” [Red Wings coach Derek] Lalonde said. “It’s an unbelievable example of where he is now that he expects practice to be at a high pace. He wants guys to work throughout the entire practice. He’s going to bring some energy to practice.”
The Red Wings hope that translates to games as they seek to take a significant step with several new additions, including Perron, a 34-year-old winger who has played 973 games over 15 seasons, mostly in St. Louis.
The Red Wings signed Perron to a two-year, $9.5 million free-agent deal because of his offensively ability. He tallied 27 goals – including a career-high 11 on the power play – and 30 assists in 67 games last season with the Blues. He will provide secondary scoring, possibly on a with Andrew Copp and Jakub Vrana.
“For me at the stage of my career I’m at I want to be a difference-maker on the ice,” Perron said. “Also, leadership-wise, being an extension of the coaching staff, preaching the right stuff in the room.”
