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NHL free agency is two months away, and this free agent class is one of the best we have seen in years. With names like Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm, Sam Reinhart, Brandon Montour, Patrick Kane, and Brett Pesce available, teams will be looking to add to their roster.
Throughout the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs struggled with secondary scoring, a significant area of concern. To address this, they could consider a player like David Perron. Aged 35, Perron, who spent the 2023-24 season with the Detroit Red Wings, demonstrated his prowess in 76 games, scoring 17 goals and providing 30 assists for a total of 47 points.
Perron’s style of play aligns perfectly with the Maple Leafs’ requirements. His compatibility was evident during his time with the St. Louis Blues, where he was a favorite of new Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube. Perron was pivotal in the Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup run, contributing 16 points in 26 playoff games.
Bringing Perron to the Leafs would be a good move, as his versatility allows him to adapt to different lineups. He could be a solid addition to a line with John Tavares. Moreover, his effectiveness in the power play could benefit the team, especially in the playoffs. Toronto went 1-22 in their first-round matchup vs. the Boston Bruins. In the 2024 season, Perron scored seven power-play goals and provided 10 assists, contributing 17 points on the power play.
Matt Larkin, Senior Writer at Daily Faceoff, joined Jay Rosehil and Nick Alberga of The Leafs Nation on their Leafs Morning Take to discuss if Perron would be a good fit for the Leafs, “A name on the player side that I would keep a close eye on is David Perron, his last few years in St. Louis he had power-play points per game, per 60 he was third it was McDavid, Draisaitl, David Perron. In the two to three-year stretch was the engine of the Blues power-play, and he happens to be a free agent, so keep an eye on Mr. Perron,” he said.
Nick Alberga said, “he is that tough, hard-nosed player you want in the playoffs. I watched a lot of Wings games in the season, and when they went on that run and tried to get in there (playoffs), he just played so heavy, and he always had a snarl on his face. I love that attitude from players, where it is not going to be easy every given night. He is a veteran who has won and checks so many boxes; I think he would make a lot of sense for this (Leafs) team”.
David Perron makes a lot of sense for the Leafs. He is a player that the Leafs need to add more of, someone who has won the Stanley Cup, knows what it takes to win, and can help them in their win-now window.
I expect the Leafs to check in on him as we inch closer to free agency on July 1st.
