David Perron
#57 / Left Wing
Height: 6’0” | Weight: 200 | Born: May 28, 1988
Birthplace: Sherbrooke, QC, CAN | Acquired: Acquired from the St. Louis Blues in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft.
Assets: Is a great dangler with the puck and very creative. Can play on either side of center and excels in open space. Gritty, he is both a finisher and excellent playmaker. Also displays agitating qualities.
Flaws: Injuries are a problem here, including concussion issues. Also, his consistency in the scoring department leaves something to be desired. Should shoot the puck more. Does not have great speed.
Career Potential: Skilled, veteran scoring winger in decline.
(Via The Hockey News)
Why You Should Know Who He Is: Perron is an eleven year NHL veteran with a point-per-game average of 0.61. He is highly skilled with puck and utilizes that skill and offensive creativity to generate chances around the slot. Like many other Golden Knights Perron had a career year in the regular season with 66 points (16G 50A) in 70 games. As you might infer, he tends to favor setting up his teammates rather than shoot the puck himself. On the power play this season Perron notched 18 assists but only one goal. Perron has been playing alongside James Neal and Erik Haula on Gerard Gallant’s second line.
How the Caps Can Stop Him: The Capitals will need to limit Perron’s time and space with the puck in the offensive zone. While this is a good defensive practice against anyone Washington would be wise to keep a close eye on Perron because of his game-breaking skill with the puck. He has yet to score a goal this postseason and only has nine shots on goal but Perron is certainly capable of potting a couple very quickly. In addition to his current slump Perron is also susceptible to losing his cool and taking an undisciplined penalty. Washington would benefit from trying to get under the winger’s skin and frustrate him early and often.