The Curious Case of Red Wings Perron

David Perron is making it abundantly clear that he wants to remain with the Detroit Red Wings. GM Steve Yzerman is on the record as suggesting that he’s not opposed to the idea.

Why then, does Perron playing another season in Detroit seem to be such an improbable outcome?

“I like it here,” Perron said. “It’s a pretty special place.”

Wings fans, Thanks for helping Little Caesars Arena be the best atmosphere in the league this year! The pain is real but I feel our group made unreal steps forward this year and will be beneficial for years to come. I’m proud of the team and the fight that we had as well as being… pic.twitter.com/zjoSc7mfdk

— David Perron (@DP_57) April 17, 2024

For his part, Yzerman also believes that what Perron has brought to the team is pretty special.

“It’s a player I have to give strong consideration to bring him back,” Yzerman admitted.

Everyone seems to be on the same page. So why does it feel like they still might end up turning the page?

The root cause of the problem is the thing that people are always describing as the root of all evil – money.

Will the Red Wings have enough of it left over to be able to pay Perron?

As this point, in all honesty, the answer to that question is we just don’t know.

Plenty Of Red Wings Waiting To Get Paid

Colleague Kevin Allen penned a wonderful explainer of all the contracts the club must negotiate prior to the start of the 2024-25 season and how those deals could put a real dent in the Red Wings salary cap. Among that group of players are going to be a number of pacts that could at best be wearing the description of known unknowns.

In defenseman Moritz Seider and forward Lucas Raymond, Detroit must sign two restricted free agents who are both vital cogs to the future of the franchise. Will they be signing bridge deals the could be somewhere in the $6 million per season range? Or are both of these players going to be seeking long-term deals that could drive the price up into the stratosphere of $8 per campaign?

Again, at this point we just don’t know.

The Wings will likely want to keep UFA forward Christian Fischer, who worked so well in a checking role with Andrew Copp and Michael Rasmussen. Is Patrick Kane going to want to remain in Detroit? Yzerman has already acknowledged that he’ll be pursuing UFA defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere. RFA center Joe Veleno is eligible for arbitration, which will drive up his cost.

Is There Any Pie Left For Perron?

Any way you slice it, finding a piece of the action for Perron is going to be a challenge.

Certainly, Yzerman likes what Perron has bene bringing to his team during his two seasons in Detroit.

“This guy’s been around for a long time,” Yzerman said. “He’s a Stanley Cup champion. He can handle the pressure, he actually thrives on it. He loves the challenge, he is a tremendous leader.

“For me, I see that on the ice. He’s a take charge guy and the moment’s not too big for him.”

(Let's try this again)

David Perron, a pending UFA and locker room leader, made it clear he wants to return to the Red Wings. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/RbUr337jJA

— Locked On Red Wings Podcast (@LO_RedWings) April 18, 2024

Is Perron’s moment in Detroit coming to an end?

“I respect Steve and that’s all I’m going to say for now,” Perron said.

The truth is, they might not be able to show him enough money to keep Perron with the Red Wings.