Sep 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing
Antti Pihlstrom(24) skates for the loose puck against Pittsburgh Penguins left wing
David Perron(57) in overtime at Nationwide Arena. The Penguins won 1-0 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
David Perron
It’s never easy to think about trading a player that you recently forfeited a first round pick for. But, the Pittsburgh Penguins may have to consider it if things take a turn for the worse on the blue line.
Perron has approached 2015-16 with a renewed energy and a chip on his shoulder after a very disappointing second half of 2014-15. After starting his Pittsburgh Penguins career on fire with Sidney Crosby as his center, he tailed off and ended up spending time in the bottom-six while Mike Johnston tried names like Daniel Winnik on Sid’s left side.
Some will look at Perron’s new approach, conditioning and the fact that he’s having a solid camp as a reason to not even consider him as trade bait. But, the truth is, the Pens are stacked at wing and if Pascal Dupuis returns to the player that he was before being sidelined with a blood clot, Perron is somewhat expendable.
I’m not suggesting the Pittsburgh Penguins actively shop Perron or that they necessarily have to trade him. I am however suggesting that if they need to address issues on the blue line, Perron may be the guy to go. Especially considering that his contract does not include a no-movement clause of any kind.
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