Perron was public enemy number one in Ottawa last season after his six-game suspension for cross-checking Artem Zub in the head.
The Ottawa Senators have made their first splash in 2024 free agency, signing a two-year contract with 36-year-old winger David Perron.
If the Sens were looking for veterans with an edge, they found it in Perron. He's six-feet 195 pounds. He's played in 1131 NHL games and has 768 points. 48 of them came last season with the Detroit Red Wings. His career-best was 66 points.
They've also seen Perron's edge up close and personal. And it was a little too much edge, in fact. Last season, he was suspended for six games after cross-checking Sens defenceman Artem Zub in the head.
Perron was enraged after Wings captain Dylan Larkin was knocked out in an accidental collision with Mathieu Joseph. Perron thought Zub was the culprit and launched a forceful cross-check into the side of Zub head. Thankfully, the Sens defenceman was okay. He had already missed substantial time last season with a head injury.
Perron's two-year deal with the Senators is worth $4 million a season. He has fantastic puck skills and passing ability. Last season, he ranked seventh among Red Wings forwards in ice time (15:38) and seventh overall in scoring with 47 points, including 17 goals.
Just like their big free agent signing last year, Vladimir Tarasenko, Perron was a member of the 2019 Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues. It never hurts to have more championship pedigree in the room.