David Perron Hits 1,200-Game Milestone: A Testament to Longevity, Grit, and Quiet Excellence
In a league where the average NHL career barely stretches past a few hundred games, David Perron just hit a number that speaks volumes-1,200 games. The Ottawa Senators winger reached the milestone Tuesday night as the Sens faced off against the Montreal Canadiens, capping a journey that’s been as steady as it’s been impressive.
At 37 years old, Perron continues to be a reliable contributor in his second season with Ottawa. Coming into Tuesday’s game, he had notched three goals and nine assists over 25 games this season. That brings his total in a Senators sweater to 12 goals and 16 assists across 68 regular-season appearances-a solid return for a veteran forward whose game has always blended skill with a high hockey IQ.
But this milestone is about more than just this season. It’s about the path that brought him here.
Perron’s journey through the NHL has taken him across eight different teams, from his early days with the St. Louis Blues to stops in Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Anaheim, Vegas, Detroit, and now Ottawa.
Along the way, he’s tallied 322 goals and 474 assists-good for 796 career points. That’s production, plain and simple.
But more than that, it’s consistency.
And that consistency hasn’t come easy. Perron spoke candidly ahead of the game about what it took to reach this point, especially after a challenging season last year that included battling through injuries.
“You know, you just don’t think. You keep playing and playing, trying to stay alive, and next thing you know you get to a milestone,” Perron said.
“Once you hit one, you start looking at the next one. So, I think especially the way the year went last year, with the injuries and all that, I was looking forward to this one a little bit more now, and it’s nice.”
That quote encapsulates the mindset of a player who’s had to earn every one of those 1,200 games. Perron hasn’t always been the flashiest player on the ice, but he’s been one of the most dependable.
Coaches trust him, teammates respect him, and fans-whether in St. Louis, Detroit, or now Ottawa-have come to appreciate the way he plays the game: smart, tough, and with a competitive fire that doesn’t flicker.
A native of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Perron entered the league as a first-round pick back in 2007 and wasted no time making an impact. But what’s defined his career isn’t just his offensive numbers-it’s his adaptability.
No matter the system, no matter the team, Perron has found a way to contribute. He’s been a power-play specialist, a top-six winger, a veteran presence in the locker room, and everything in between.
And now, with 1,200 games under his belt, he joins a select group of players who’ve managed to combine talent, durability, and resilience over nearly two decades in the league. It’s the kind of milestone that doesn’t just happen by accident-it’s earned through years of preparation, sacrifice, and the kind of mental toughness that separates the good from the great.
For the Senators, having Perron in the room is about more than just what he brings on the ice. He’s a steadying influence on a young team still finding its identity. And for Perron, this chapter in Ottawa is another opportunity to lead by example-something he’s done his entire career.
So yes, 1,200 games is a number. But for David Perron, it’s also a statement.
A statement that says: I’ve been here, I’ve battled, and I’m still going. And in a league that never stops moving, that kind of staying power deserves all the recognition it gets.