The Vegas Golden Knights will need to add scoring wingers this offseason and could be in the market to sign David Perron.
Perron spent the previous two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings scoring 41 goals and 103 points in 158 games. The Red Wings narrowly missed out on a playoff spot and were in contention late in the season due to a couple of clutch goals and assists by Perron.
Perron signed a two-year, $4.75M AAV contract with the Red Wings in 2022 that is set to expire this season. The 35-year-old could be a cheaper replacement for Jonathan Marchessault if the team is unable to get an extension done.
Many reports have claimed that Patrick Kane is set to explore free agency this offseason and it could free up space for the Red Wings to resign Perron but his age could change their minds. Before the 2024-25 season begins, Perron will be 36 years old and the current stage the Red Wings are in, it may make them feel obligated to go down a different path and it's the opposite for the Golden Knights who are in a win-now mode and aren't overly worried about his age.
Perron was a key contributor to the Golden Knights' run to the Stanley Cup Finals in their first-ever season. He was one of the team's assistant captains and set a career-high in points that still stands today and recorded the second-highest point-per-game season of his career.
In 70 games with the Golden Knights, Perron scored 16 goals and 66 points in just 70 games.
There are stylistic differences between Perron and Marchessault. Playing alongside Jack Eichel, Marchessault became a shooter and focused on putting himself in advantageous situations to open up the ice for Eichel. Perron is regarded more as a playmaker than a scorer but still has an effective enough shot to score 20-plus goals four times in his career.
The Canadian winger could be an option even if Marchessault is resigned. The Golden Knights may have to unload one, if not multiple defensemen and could use Perron's skill. He won't be expecting a pay raise and will cost the team less than the $4.75M he is currently being paid.
Adding another Stanley Cup winner who's familiar with the franchise is never a bad idea.
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