David Perron Expected to Slot into Stars' Bottom Six Forwards

On Thursday, the Dallas Stars added forward depth, signing veteran winger David Perron to a one-year, $850,000 pro-rated deal.

The 38-year-old will not make his debut Saturday on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks, but he could debut next Tuesday, when Dallas returns home for a six-game stretch beginning with a matchup against the Boston Bruins.

Not much is known about the role Perron will have, but there are some educated guesses to be made. The top of the lineup will likely remain mostly untouched as Wyatt Johnston is a possibility to return in Chicago on Saturday, which could see the lines revert to how they looked at the start of the season. Jamie Benn would return to playing alongside Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz with the trio doing well to start the season.

However, Tyler Seguin has played well over his last three games, with a goal and two assists for three points, and that could prompt a change. Dallas could keep Seguin on the top line with Hintz, while Mikko Rantanen would likely rejoin Johnston's line. Seguin or Benn moving out of the top six would be Perron's most likely path to a top-six role, but that does not appear likely.

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Instead, Perron will almost certainly take on a bottom-six role, where he can give the group a steady presence. Dallas is currently without three forwards, with Johnston, Matt Duchene and depth forward Oskar Bäck all sidelined.

Perron will likely see time on the third line with Justin Hryckowian, serving as another veteran presence while Arttu Hyry slots in down the middle. Another option is that Perron debuts on the bottom line with Radek Faksa at center and either Joel Kiviranta or Colin Blackwell on the opposite wing.

Either way, it will be an adjustment for both Perron and the Stars. The Sherbrooke, Quebec native is entering his 20th NHL season. Last season, he recorded 25 points in 45 games with the Ottawa Senators, and he had three goals but no assists in 16 games with the Detroit Red Wings.

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