David Perron is still on the market, and the Canadiens have at least one obvious reason to keep his name in the conversation.
The 38-year-old free agent is still waiting for the right NHL landing spot, and according to insider Pierre LeBrun, Montreal could make sense with Ivan Demidov sidelined. The Canadiens have a hole to fill in their top six, and that need becomes even more noticeable with Kirby Dach still searching for his form.
Perron’s most recent season produced 28 points in 65 games split between the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings. He’s coming off 19 NHL seasons and finished last year in Detroit, though LeBrun also said he hasn’t closed the door on a return there.
There’s no sign the Canadiens have reached out yet, but the fit is easy to understand. Demidov, 20, had a goal and an assist in two games before getting hurt, and he’s expected to miss two to four weeks. That leaves Montreal thinner up front, especially in a top-six group that has already felt the impact of Dach’s uneven play.
Perron’s camp says he’s taking his time and looking for the right situation. His agent, Allan Walsh, said, "Perron is actively looking for the right situation for himself and his family, and he is determined to play this season."
Right now, Perron is staying in game shape in his hometown of Sherbrooke.
He wouldn’t solve every issue for Montreal, which has scored enough to stay in the fight but has also given up too many goals. Still, a player with Perron’s resume brings something the Canadiens could use: 332 goals, 812 points, and Stanley Cup experience after helping the St. Louis Blues win it all in 2019.
Nothing is concrete yet. But with Demidov out and Montreal hunting for answers, Perron is a name that belongs on the short list.
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