Red Wings forward David Perron spoke with the media at training camp today, and the highly-spoken-of forward discussed his role as a leader on the team, as noted by Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen:
When it comes to Perron, it’s not just about scoring.
“He gets a little snarly at times, he’s very intense,” [Red Wings coach Derek] Lalonde said. “We really needed that as a group. Sometimes it’s our job to reel him in, which he understands, but he is a really important piece of our group, just with his approach, his will, his want. It’s a really good example and lesson for anyone in their career.”
Perron said part of his decision to play lighter was about neutral zone skating.
“I want to keep up with those guys,” Perron said. “Everyone is skating so well nowadays, tracking back into our zone. If I’m going to play for a couple, or few more years, that needs to be there.”
Perron is one of the Red Wings’ most respected players because of his preparation. “I want to keep pushing,” Perron said. “I don’t want to take on a leadership role and just do it in the room. I want to be a guy who does it on the ice too.”
