David Perron was drafted by the St. Louis Blues with the 26th overall pick in 2007. He stayed with the Blues for the first six and half seasons. Then the madness happened.
From 2013-2016 Perron played for the Oilers, Penguins, and Ducks, before finding his way back to the Blues. Then… the Expansion Draft, and once again, for the 5th time in less than four years, Perron was on the move again, this time to Vegas.
I did quite well, but, at the same time, everyone wants stability at some point. I think that’s a reason which explains why my season went well last year. I knew everybody and the city. –David Perron to RDS.ca (translated from French)
Perron’s career highs in goals, assists, and points all came in seasons with the Blues, when he felt comfortable with his surroundings. He’s hoping he gets to stay in Vegas for a while.
There is one interesting thing in the fact that Las Vegas chose me along with several other players so I’ll try to build something there with the coaches and leaders. I’m hoping that the season goes well and that it becomes long-term. -Perron
It’s hard to tell in the translated version, but there certainly feels like a bit of concern from Perron over the chemistry of the team and how quickly they’ll be able to gel as a team. Nonetheless, they have a plan.
Usually, you come to a team and friendships are already formed. It will be different and I can’t wait to see how it goes. The coaches have talked to us and begun to organize parties and activities to bring the group. -Perron
He mentions one specific party in which Marc-Andre Fleury, Shea Theodore, and Clayton Stoner are invited. He’s also spent time in the offseason with Jonathan Marchessault.
The 29-year-old Perron is in the final year of a contract set to pay him $3.75M. He’ll be a free agent next Summer, but it certainly seems from his disdain for moving around that he’d prefer to be in Vegas for a while moving forward. Hopefully his play warrants it.
Mike D
I understand his sentiment, but I see no way that he’s on the Knights after the Trade Deadline.
PS. Good article, Ken. I didn’t know you spoke French!
RJ
>The 29-year-old Perron is in the final year of a contract set to pay him $3.75M.
He is of the right age and talent level that if he really does want to stay in town, meaning at a discount, there is no reason he cant be an important part of our 2020 playoff run.
Perron will definitely have value at the tirade deadline, but if he will take a 4yr x 4mil contract he has more value to us over those seasons than the 2nd or 3rd round pick in 2019 he will yield.
I hope Perron does stay here long term. Extending a couple guys like him is how the team builds to keep the 3/6 promise.
James
@RJ
‘Perron will definitely have value at the tirade deadline, but if he will take a 4yr x 4mil contract he has more value to us over those seasons than the 2nd or 3rd round pick in 2019 he will yield.’
I think it would make more sense to trade Perron for a 2nd or 3rd round pick at the deadline and then sign him to a 4yr x 4mil contract in July … For the sake of 20 meaningless games, you acquire a 2nd or 3rd round pick. That’s good asset management, but I’m not a season ticket holder paying good money to watch an inferior product …
And for the record I wouldn’t give Perron a four-year deal … I’m open to a short-term deal. Who knows we could trade him again 😉
RJ
Sure, trading Perron away at the deadline then resigning him as a UFA sounds great, but as often as we talk about it how often does it actually happen? I can only think of a few examples, Keith Thachuk, Olli Jokeninen, probably a few others, but it is a VERY rare occurrence. So rare, it is barely worth discussing even as armchair GMs.
Plus if Perron is looking for stability (what this article is about) then that situation is absolutely not what he is interested in.
Plus, part of the value for the team receiving the UFA to be is negotiating rights. If they are truly just getting a rental, or if the perception is of that, then the value of that player is reduced. Instead of a 2nd or 3rd, we are looking at what, a 3rd at best?
In my opinion, if Perron fits into our long term plans, lets just sign him to a long term contract.
James
@RJ
‘Sure, trading Perron away at the deadline then resigning him as a UFA sounds great, but as often as we talk about it how often does it actually happen?’
I think that it’s a real possibility. Especially if you offer a 4yr x 4mil contract with a no-trade clause included in the contract. Not so much regarding a short-term deal. If Perron is looking for stability then a 4yr x 4mil contract ticks all the boxes.
‘If they are truly just getting a rental, or if the perception is of that, then the value of that player is reduced. Instead of a 2nd or 3rd, we are looking at what, a 3rd at best?’
3rd at best sounds about right. There’s a reason why he was left exposed … he’s not as valuable as some think.
RJ
What makes you think it is a possibility? Is there something special about Perron that makes you think this pretty rare occurrence is worth discussion regarding his contract in particular?
James
@RJ
Part of the value for the team receiving the UFA to be is negotiating rights, but I think you’re underestimating the allure of free agency, you might as well test the open market if you reach the trade deadline without a contract extension.
Perron will probably accept the most lucrative offer in free agency. That could still be us after trading him at the deadline. Sign him up now if you’re worried about the possibility of losing him!
Perron’s best years are behind him, I wouldn’t be heartbroken if he signs elsewhere, so I don’t mind the risk. Ditto forJames Neal. I would rather sign the younger Jonathan Marchessault.