The Penguins finally added their much-needed top six winger. General Manager Jim Rutherford pulled off a great deal that saw the Pens send their 2015 1st round pick and winger Rob Klinkhammer to Edmonton in exchange for David Perron. The deal was completed earlier this morning.
Perron has been rumored to the Penguins since November. The team reportedly contacted Edmonton in November about Perron and were told unless Pens center Brandon Sutter was included there was no deal. Rutherford waited two months and today was able to get his prize for a pick and a bottom six winger. Not too shabby.
Many believe Perron would have an instant impact on the top two lines for the Pens with his "Dupuis" style of play. The bonus of Perron is he can score more than Dupuis and should flourish alongside Crosby or Malkin.
The 26 year old winger has played the entirety of his career in the Western Conference. He was the 26th overall pick in 2007 by the St. Louis Blues and played for them through the 2012 season. He signed a 4-year deal with the Blues that summer before being traded to Edmonton for Mangus Paajarvi and a second rounder the following summer (2013). He's played for the destitute Oilers since.
Perron is a skilled winger who should flourish with Crosby or Malkin. He has scored 20 goals three times in his career and on less-talented teams. The move will give the Pens a formidable top six when illness and injury resolve.
The icing on the cake is his contract. He is only a 3.85 million per season cap hit and he will be here this season and next. The controllable winger will really help.
It's a great move all around. Perron gets out of the seven hells that Edmonton is and to a Cup contender. He will be motivated and play great hockey. It gives the Pens a top six guy that will work great with Crosby and allow Hornqvist to play with Geno when he returns from his knee injury.
Rutherford worked some magic in this deal. He was able to get Perron for a pick essentially. He didn't have to give up Sutter or any of the quality defensive prospects. This will allow the Pens to make another move or move forward with those young guys.
A great move all around and it should make an immediate impact on this Penguins team. So, I will close with this: Welcome to Pittsburgh David Perron!