David Perron return to Detroit unlikely despite mutual respect xuanmai

David Perron wants to be back with the Detroit Red Wings next season. The Detroit Red Wings want David Perron back next season.

But he probably won't be.

Perron, who turns 36 May 28, just completed a two-year, $9.5 million deal that he signed as a free agent. In that time the right wing, who won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, has become an important team leader.

"He's a take charge guy and the moment's not too big for him," Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said, via Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now. "He competes hard, he's determined, he's a real professional. He has a real positive impact on our team."

"I like it here," Perron said. "It's a pretty special place."

While his offensive contribution is declining - he had 17 goals and 47 points in 76 games this past season after 24 goals and 56 points in 82 games in 2022-23, his first with the Red Wings - Perron is still productive.

His goal with only 3.3 seconds left in regulation in the regular-season finale at Montreal kept Detroit in the playoff contention for a few more minutes before the Washington Capitals completed their win to capture the final Eastern Conference wild-card playoff spot.

But in addition to Yzerman needing to get young stars like defenseman Moritz Seider and left wing Lucas Raymond signed to expensive new deals during the summer, it is possible - probably likely - that prospects such as winger Jonathan Berggren, center Nate Danielson and winger Carter Mazur will all play in Detroit next season.

So, there's the salary cap issue and the numbers game among forwards. And we haven't even mentioned if Patrick Kane will return or not.

Despite both sides' desire for Perron to once again wear the winged wheel on his chest in 2024-25, there's not much chance if it happening.