Red Wings in Talks to Retain Veteran Forward David Perron

The 2026 NHL Free Agency period officially opens at 12 p.m. ET on Wednesday, and while much of the focus surrounding the Detroit Red Wings centers on Dylan Larkin’s ongoing trade request, the team is also assessing its roster of pending unrestricted free agents.

As of Tuesday evening, Patrick Kane remains without a contract, but the Red Wings have expressed a desire to re-sign him for another season. Kane has echoed this sentiment, indicating mutual interest during his end-of-season media availability.

While the Red Wings are likely to part ways with players like James van Riemsdyk and Cam Talbot, one player they may attempt to retain is David Perron. NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun reports that the Red Wings and Perron are currently in discussions regarding a new contract, though there remains a possibility he could enter the free-agent market.

LeBrun noted, “David Perron, 38, intends to play again next season. Perron, who had 13 goals between the Ottawa Senators and the Detroit Red Wings last season, is still talking to the Red Wings, but if something can’t be worked out there, he is looking to hit the open market.”

Perron signed a two-year deal with the Red Wings in 2022, where he became a key veteran presence in the locker room, contributing timely goals. He left the Red Wings in 2024 to join the Ottawa Senators, a move that helped the Senators reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs last spring.

However, Perron’s recent season was marred by injury, leading to surgery that sidelined him for a significant portion of the year. He was ultimately re-acquired by the Red Wings at the trade deadline in exchange for a conditional fourth-round pick.

In the 15 games following his return to Detroit, Perron managed to score three goals but did not register any assists. Over his lengthy career, the 38-year-old has played in 1,239 NHL games, tallying 332 goals and 480 assists. He was also part of the St. Louis Blues team that secured the Stanley Cup in 2019.

Stay updated on all things Red Wings by bookmarking The Hockey News’ Detroit Red Wings team site for the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.