Ottawa Senators
Getting to Know David Perron

David Perron signed with the Senators on a two year contract worth $4 million per season. The 36 year old is a left shot forward that can play the left or right wing.
Read More: Fixing the Senators Power Play
His Role with the Red Wings
Perron is coming off of two years with the Detroit Red Wings. The 36 year old scored 17 goals and 47 points in 76 games last season. The year before, he scored 24 goals and 56 points in 82 games. While there was a drop-off from one year to the next statistically, Perron did finish last season strong, scoring 4 goals and 12 points in his last 11 games as the Red Wings tried to fight their way into the playoffs.
Last season, Perron ranked seventh on the Red Wings, averaging 15:38 time on ice per game. Just under three of those minutes were played on the power play, and the rest was at even strength. Perron ranked third among Red Wing forwards with 111 hits. He led Detroit forwards in penalty minutes with 55. Of course, 15 of those minutes came from the crosscheck to the head of Senators Artem Zub. At even strength, Perron’s most common linemates were Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, but Detroit did switch up their lines a fair amount.
His Style of Play
Perron is known as a gritty, hard working forward that is at his best when battling in the dirty areas. He is always willing to stick up for his teammates, and he’s not afraid to play with a chip on his shoulder. Essentially, if he’s not on the team you cheer for, you’re not supposed to like him. Think of Ridley Greig as a comparable in that regard. At 6-foot-1, 203 pounds, he has the size and strength to hold his own in physical battles.
Offense is another important part to Perron’s game. He’s more of a playmaker than a goal scorer, but he’s still averaged 22.5 goals per 82 games over his career. Keep in mind, including the playoffs, he’s played in 1,235 NHL games. Don’t expect Perron to kill penalties or take on defensive responsibilities. He should be on one of the Senators two power play units. He’s averaged just under 17 power play points over his last three seasons. The extra time and space on the power play helps Perron’s game at this point, because he does struggle from a skating perspective at this point in his career.
His Role with the Senators
Steve Staios signed Perron to be a veteran middle six winger who can chip in at both even strength and the power play. With over 100 playoff games to his resume, and a Stanley Cup, Perron is also being tasked with leading the way in trying to help the younger, less experienced Senators understand the type of work ethic and sacrifice it takes to be great.
Bottom Line
Perron is the sixth highest paid Senators forward for next season. He’s also at the end of a long career. If he can manage 15-20 goals, 40-45 points, playing 15-18 minutes a game, and add in some veteran leadership, Senators fans should be left happy.