Next-Day Analysis: Ottawa Senators Sign David Perron to 2×$4M Deal

Editor's Note: On a busy day, sometimes hard work gets lost in the shuffle. This was supposed to go up on July 1, but it's still definitely relevant and worth a read a day late.

The Ottawa Senators announced today that they've signed 36-year-old forward David Perron to a 2-year deal worth $4M annually. A veteran of over 1100 NHL games, Perron performed as an adequate middle-six forward with the Detroit Red Wings, with 17 goals and 30 assists in 76 games.

Even with a short-term deal, this signing is certainly risky, as some decline in ability should be expected. That said, even in his old age Perron has brought more to the table than just intangibles, as he's consistently been decent at defence, generating chances on the power-play, and finishing on chances at all strengths. That said, inconsistent 5-on-5 offense and a lack of discipline are weak points in his game.

Of course, fans will remember the altercation between Perron and Artem Zub last season, in which Perron cross-checked Zub in the back of the head for standing conspicuously close to Dylan Larkin lying on the ice. Still, these guys are pros and that won't be an issue going forward.

Expect Perron to contribute in the Sens' middle-six, potentially on a line with Ridly Greig, whose ability as a playmaking center with a mean streak should complement Perron nicely.

With this signing, the Sens have a hair over $3.6M in cap space, with 12 forwards and 6 defencemen under contract, though that forward number counts Noah Gregor and Angus Crookshank, and notably doesn't include RFA Shane Pinto.

Welcome to the nation's capital, David Perron!