David Perron

Perron was born on May 28, 1988, in Sherbrooke, Quebec to parents François Perron and Brigitte Labrecque.{{cite web|title=Le rêve de David Perron... et de ses parents|url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1103372/le-reve-de-david-perron-et-de-ses-parents|website=ici.radio-canada|publisher=Radio Canada|access-date=July 12, 2020|language=fr|date=May 26, 2018}} Growing up in Sherbrooke, Perron played in the 2001 and 2002 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with minor ice hockey teams from his hometown.{{cite web|url=https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|title=Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA|year=2018|website=Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament|access-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306085544/https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|archive-date=March 6, 2019}} Although he was eligible to be drafted into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's midget draft, Perron was overlooked twice before being selected in 2006.{{cite web|last1=Wigge|first1=Larry|title=From Unnoticed to YoungStar|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/from-unnoticed-to-youngstar/c-432587|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=January 25, 2008}} He played with the Saint-Jérôme Panthers in the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League during his first year of NHL draft eligibility where he recorded 69 points in 51 games. Despite his performance, Perron was never interviewed by any NHL teams and went undrafted in 2006.

Perron then had an excellent rookie season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), leading the Lewiston Maineiacs in scoring with 39 goals and 83 points in 70 games played.{{cite web|title=David Perron|url=https://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/david_perron/|website=hockeysfuture.com|access-date=July 11, 2020}} His increase in scoring caught the attention of NHL scouts and he was ranked 10th over all 2007 draft-eligible North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau.{{cite web|title=Central Scouting Service Final Rankings - April 2007|url=http://cdn.nhl.com/mapleleafs/bc/images/contentdelta/assets/07_final_naskaters_num[1].pdf|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 12, 2020}} He helped lead the Maineiacs to their first President's Cup in franchise history{{cite web|title=MAINEiacs win the President Cup|url=https://theqmjhl.ca/maineiacs-win-the-president-cup/|website=theqmjhl.ca|publisher=Quebec Major Junior Hockey League|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=May 9, 2007}} and participated in the Memorial Cup. During their Memorial Cup run, Perron was the team's second leading goal scorer with 12 goals and 16 assists.

File:Davidperron.jpg

Perron was selected in the first round, 26th overall, by the St. Louis Blues in the 2007 NHL entry draft.{{cite web|title=Four QMJHL players selected in the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft|url=https://theqmjhl.ca/four-qmjhl-players-selected-in-the-first-round-of-the-2007-nhl-entry-draft/|website=theqmjhl.ca|publisher=Quebec Major Junior Hockey League|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=June 22, 2007}} On the day of his draft, Perron told reporters that he "had every intention of making the team at training camp."{{cite web|last1=Pinkert|first1=Chris|title=Learning the Ropes|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/learning-the-ropes/c-432706|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=August 21, 2008}} He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team on September 5, 2007, after St. Louis Blues President John Davidson praised his "tremendous creativity and offensive skill."{{cite web|title=Blues Sign First Round Pick David Perron|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-sign-first-round-pick-david-perron/c-432473|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=September 5, 2007}} In October, it was confirmed that Perron would start the season with the Blues after an impressive training camp.

File:David_Perron.png

Due to the language differences in St. Louis versus Quebec, Perron did not set up his bank account or cash cheques from training camp, resulting in coach Andy Murray helping him set up his first bank account and credit card.{{cite web|last1=Ponder|first1=Jeff|title=The fabled story of David Perron is exceeding expectations|url=https://www.ksdk.com/article/sports/nhl/blues/the-fabled-story-of-david-perron-is-exceeding-expectations-st-louis-blues/63-32261f51-6a55-4cab-9284-e621e53dfb8e|website=ksdk.com|publisher=KSDK|access-date=July 26, 2020|date=January 27, 2020}} He also showed up to Blues practice with white skates, which Murray then ordered the equipment staff to paint black.{{cite news|last1=Rutherford|first1=Jeremy P.|title=Perron, Blues were often an uneasy fit|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/perron-blues-were-often-an-uneasy-fit/article_5dfa5487-b645-5074-a7e4-f6ed9d8b3314.html|access-date=July 29, 2020|publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=July 23, 2013}} Upon making his NHL debut during the 2007–08 season, he subsequently became the fifth youngest skater in Blues history at 19 years, 137 days old.{{cite web|title=Perron Makes Charge in Calder Chase|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/perron-makes-charge-in-calder-chase/c-432538|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=November 19, 2007}} On November 3, 2007, Perron scored his first career NHL goal during a 3–2 loss against the Chicago Blackhawks. His goal came during the first period off of a pass from Doug Weight and after review of the play, he helped the Blues tie the game.{{cite web|title=Blackhawks' short-handed play leads win over Blues|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/271103019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415003138/https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/271103019|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 15, 2023|website=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=November 4, 2007}} He finished his rookie season with 13 goals and 27 points in 62 games and was named to the 2008 NHL YoungStars Game.{{cite web|title=Johnson, Perron Named to NHL YoungStars Game|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/johnson-perron-named-to-nhl-youngstars-game/c-432577|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=January 25, 2008}}

Perron rejoined the Blues for the 2008–09 pre-season during which he recorded a hat-trick to lift the Blues 9–2 over the Atlanta Thrashers.{{cite web|title=David Perron scores hat trick for Blues in 9-4 win over Thrashers|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/david-perron-scores-hat-trick-for-blues-in-9-4-win-over-thrashers/c-383697|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=September 27, 2008}} He impressed Davidson and assistant general manager (GM) Doug Armstrong during training camp who praised his work ethic and perseverance. Davidson spoke highly of Perron's efforts by saying "You know that I can tell with David Perron ... he wants it as bad as anybody in the NHL...Now that he's made the NHL, he wants to come back and prove that he can play at another level. The passion that that kid has is special."{{cite news|last1=Rutherford|first1=Jeremy|title=Perron draws attention for his effort and enthusiasm|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55164153/david-perron/|access-date=July 11, 2020|publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=June 28, 2009|via=Newspapers.com}} This season proved to be his most successful at the time and by January, Perron had recorded a team-leading 24 assists and earned a spot on the sophomore team at the NHL YoungStars Game.{{cite web|title=Perron Added to YoungStars Team|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/perron-added-to-youngstars-team/c-432829|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=January 20, 2009}} Coach Murray would often place Perron with young players like Patrik Berglund and T. J. Oshie to form the Kid Line which was used to boost the energy of the game. He concluded his sophomore campaign placing third on the team in scoring as he helped lead the Blues to the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs.{{cite web|title=Series Preview: Blues vs. Canucks|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/series-preview-blues-vs-canucks/c-432888|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 13, 2009}} During their playoff run, Perron recorded two points in four games as they lost to the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference quarter final.{{cite news|last1=Carrigg|first1=David|title=Canucks beat Blues 3-2 to take Western Conference quarter final series|url=https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/canucks-beat-blues-3-2-to-take-western-conference-quarter-final-series|access-date=July 12, 2020|publisher=The Province|date=April 21, 2009}}

After attending the Blues' training camp, Perron was selected for their 2009–10 opening night roster.{{cite web|title=NHL announces 2009-10 opening-day rosters|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-announces-2009-10-opening-day-rosters/c-500607|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=October 1, 2009}} Following his successful sophomore season, expectations were high for Perron to make an impact with the team while playing alongside David Backes and Andy McDonald.{{cite web|last1=Wigge|first1=Larry|title=Blues 2009-10 Season preview|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-2009-10-season-preview/c-500010|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 26, 2020|date=September 27, 2009}} He began the season well and scored his first NHL regular season hat trick on November 10, 2009, in a 6–1 win over the Canucks.{{cite web|title=Blues ride big 1st period to 6-1 win over Canucks|url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/blues-ride-big-1st-period-to-6-1-win-over-canucks-1.453220|website=bc.ctvnews.ca|publisher=CTV News|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=November 10, 2009}} A few days later during a game against the New York Islanders, Perron skated the puck up the ice and deked around two Islander players to score the fourth goal of the game against Dwayne Roloson.{{cite web|last1=O'Neil|first1=Dan|title=Re-live Perron's unbelievable goal vs. Islanders|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/re-live-perrons-unbelievable-goal-vs-islanders/c-287608714|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 26, 2020|date=March 11, 2017}} His goal was later voted by fans as the runner-up Best Moment Of the Season.{{cite web|last1=Pinkert|first1=Chris|title=2009-10 Blues Fan Awards|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/2009-10-blues-fan-awards/c-530709|website=nhl.com|access-date=July 26, 2020|date=June 7, 2010}} Some teammates preferred to not have Perron on their line because he held on to the puck too long. Veteran Keith Tkachuk would serve as a mentor for him during the season, often having a trainer alert Perron to meet him in a closed-door room in between periods. He concluded his third season with a then-career high 20 goals in 82 games, placing him fourth on the Blues in points scored.{{cite web|title=Blues Re-Sign David Perron|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-re-sign-david-perron/c-534734|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=July 21, 2010}}

During the summer of 2010, Perron signed a two-year contract worth $4.3 million to stay with the Blues. Armstrong stated that the contract was because "we are expecting David to grow into a complete player at this level." He began his fourth year campaign with a scoring streak of five goals in his first ten games before sustaining a season-ending concussion on November 4. The concussion was the result of an elbow to the temple from San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton and he missed 13 months to recover.{{cite web|title=Blues' David Perron set to return from concussion sustained in November 2010|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/blues-david-perron-set-to-return-from-concussion-sustained-in-november-2010/c-604363|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=December 2, 2011}} Thornton received a two-game suspension for the hit and Perron ended his 167 consecutive games played streak.{{cite web|last1=Pinkert|first1=Chris|title=Perron Won't Play Nov. 6 at Boston|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/perron-wont-play-nov-6-at-boston/c-542753|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=November 6, 2010}} As a result, Perron was unable to join the Blues for the start of their 2011–12 campaign{{cite web|title=Blues' Perron won't be ready to start season|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/blues-perron-wont-be-ready-to-start-season/c-585667|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=August 3, 2011}} but was medically cleared to play in December. Upon returning to the Blues' lineup, Perron helped them boost their rankings in the Central Division and Western Conference while scoring in four consecutive games. By February, Perron had recorded 24 points in 30 games and was named the third NHL Star of the Week.{{cite web|title=Perron Named to NHL Stars of the Week|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/perron-named-to-nhl-stars-of-the-week/c-616702|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=February 13, 2012}} He finished the regular season recording 42 points in 57 games as the Blues qualified for the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Blues met with the San Jose Sharks in the first round the Stanley Cup playoffs whom they beat in five games. The series winning goal was scored by Perron after deflecting Alex Pietrangelo's shot into the net to break a 1–1 tie with eight minutes remaining.{{cite news|last1=Fallstrom|first1=R.B.|title=NHL playoffs: St. Louis Blues eliminate San Jose Sharks in Game 5|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2012/04/22/nhl_playoffs_st_louis_blues_eliminate_san_jose_sharks_in_game_5.html|access-date=July 11, 2020|publisher=Toronto Star|date=April 22, 2012}} This goal was later voted by Blues fans as the Best Moment of the season.{{cite web|last1=Pinkert|first1=Chris|title=2011-12 Blues Fan Choice Award Winners|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/2011-12-blues-fan-choice-award-winners/c-636957|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=July 9, 2012}} After losing to the Los Angeles Kings, Perron signed a four-year, $15.25 million contract extension with the Blues{{cite web|title=David Perron, Blues reach deal|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/8133562/st-louis-blues-lock-forward-david-perron-4-more-years|website=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=July 5, 2012}} although the following season would be his last. In his final season with the team, Perron failed to maintain the same scoring level from the previous season and only recorded 10 goals in 48 games. Under new head coach Ken Hitchcock, Perron was often relegated to the fourth line or made a healthy scratch for being too aggressive in the offensive zone and racking up penalty minutes. They would often disagree on plays{{cite web|last1=Friedman|first1=Elliotte|title=30 Thoughts|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hockey/opinion/2013/10/30-thoughts-kessel-others-set-market-for-nhls-elite.html|website=cbc.ca|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=July 26, 2020|date=October 1, 2013}} and Perron admitted that he was a "very difficult coach."{{cite web|title=David Perron admet avoir été secoué par le départ de Ken Hitchcock|url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1016319/david-perron-admet-avoir-ete-secoue-par-le-depart-de-ken-hitchcock|website=ici.radio-canada.ca|publisher=ICI Radio Canada|access-date=July 26, 2020|language=fr|date=February 11, 2017}}

File:David Perron Oilers training camp 2014 (15527083971).jpg in September 2014]]

On July 10, 2013, Perron was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Magnus Pääjärvi and a 2014 second-round pick.{{cite web|last1=Ramsay|first1=Caley|title=Edmonton Oilers acquire David Perron in trade with St. Louis|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/708144/edmonton-oilers-acquire-david-perron-in-trade-with-st-louis/|website=globalnews.ca|publisher=Global News|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=July 10, 2013}} When speaking of the trade, Oilers coach Dallas Eakins praised Perron by saying "I love his competitiveness...As much skill as he has, he's got that little bit of nasty in him."{{cite news|title=David Perron quietly emerges as Edmonton Oilers' primary offensive threat|url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/hockey/nhl/david-perron-quietly-emerges-as-edmonton-oilers-primary-offensive-threat|access-date=July 11, 2020|publisher=National Post|date=December 9, 2013}} General manager Craig MacTavish said he expected to use Perron on the left wing with Jordan Eberle or Nail Yakupov and play on their penalty kill.{{cite web|last1=Frankson|first1=Ryan|title=Perron brings "incredible skill-set" to Edmonton|url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/perron-brings-incredible-skill-set-to-edmonton/c-677619|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=July 10, 2013}} Through three preseason games, Perron recorded three goals and four points.{{cite web|title=David Perron Has a Goal And Assist As Oilers Down Canucks 5-2 In Exhibition|url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/article/david-perron-has-a-goal-and-assist-as-oilers-down-canucks-5-2-in-exhibition|website=thehockeynews.com|publisher=The Hockey News|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=September 22, 2013}} He was named to the Oilers opening night roster where he played in 13 consecutive games before missing one due to an illness.{{cite web|last1=Wescott|first1=Chris|title=BLOG: Perron out|url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/blog-perron-out/c-22053|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=October 29, 2013}} Upon returning to the lineup, he fell ill again and underwent an MRI due to pain in his neck.{{cite web|last1=Wescott|first1=Chris|title=BLOG: Perron getting MRI|url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/blog-perron-getting-mri/c-22188|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=November 1, 2013}} Perron ended up missing four games before returning to the ice on November 7 against the Philadelphia Flyers.{{cite web|last1=Wescott|first1=Chris|title=BLOG: Perron in Philadelphia|url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/blog-perron-in-philadelphia/c-22464|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=November 7, 2013}} In his first season with the club, Perron played alongside Jordan Eberle and tied him for team lead in goals.{{cite web|last1=Spector|first1=Mark|title=Perron wishes Oilers well from a happy distance|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/perron-wishes-oilers-well-from-a-happy-distance/|website=sportsnet.ca|publisher=Sportsnet|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=February 3, 2015}} In May, he was named to Team Canada for the 2014 IIHF World Championship but was forced to decline due to an injury.{{cite web|last1=Wescott|first1=Chris|title=BLOG: Perron injured, will miss Worlds|url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/blog-perron-injured-will-miss-worlds/c-29072|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=May 4, 2014}}

In his second and final year with Edmonton, Perron started late due to a hip injury. He began training in August and was paired with Leon Draisaitl and Mark Arcobello during the regular season. The Oilers began the season with a 6–12–2 record and two five game losing streaks by November. Perron actively voiced his frustrations about the loses by saying "something has to change...when you are making those mistakes, something needs to happen. They are the same mistakes we were doing last year. We keep talking about how much better we are this year, but for me it is the same record now that we had last year. It is not better."{{cite web|title=Perron on Oilers' loss: 'Something has to change'|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/devils-top-oilers-back-to-500/|website=sportsnet.ca|publisher=Sportsnet|access-date=July 15, 2020|date=November 22, 2014}}

On January 2, 2015, Perron was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Rob Klinkhammer and a 2015 first-round pick. When speaking of the trade, he said "After a few years you just want to win... Obviously it's not going to happen this year in Edmonton." At the time of the trade, Perron had recorded 19 points in 38 games.{{cite web|last1=Cooper|first1=Josh|title=David Perron escapes Edmonton in trade to Pittsburgh|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/david-perron-escapes-edmonton-in-trade-to-pittsburgh-175108246.html|website=sports.yahoo.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=January 2, 2015}} He made his debut a night later, scoring the Penguins' lone goal in a 4–1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.{{cite web|last1=Kasan|first1=Sam|title=3 Impressions: Habs 4, Pens 1|url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/3-impressions-habs-4-pens-1/c-746931|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=January 3, 2015}} When reflecting on his debut, during which he played alongside Sidney Crosby, Perron said "I was probably the happiest guy in hockey that day."{{cite web|last1=Rosen|first1=Dan|title=Perron Raising His Game Alongside Crosby|url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/perron-raising-his-game-alongside-crosby/c-751737|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=February 4, 2015}} From there, he recorded five goals in his next six games with the team, tying his amount with Edmonton. However, his streak ended and he went goalless in the last 12 games of the season and first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs.{{cite web|last1=Crechiolo|first1=Michelle|title=Look Back: David Perron|url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/look-back-david-perron/c-771673|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=June 22, 2015}} After the Penguins were eliminated, Perron revealed that he had been playing with a rib injury since their final regular season game against the Buffalo Sabres.{{cite web|last1=Kasan|first1=Sam|title=Pens' Final Season Injury Updates|url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/pens-final-season-injury-updates/c-765424|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 27, 2015}}

During the summer prior to the 2015–16 season, Perron began power skating training in Montreal and various Ironman Triathlon competitions in Mont-Tremblant. In September while attending training camp, Perron declared that "It's great to feel good again and feel 100 percent."{{cite web|last1=Crechiolo|first1=Michelle|title=Fit, Healthy Perron Ready for Bounce-Back Season|url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/fit-healthy-perron-ready-for-bounce-back-season/c-779996|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=September 21, 2015}} As a result of his off-season training, Perron was paired alongside Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel on the Penguin's first line, which he called "a great opportunity."{{cite web|title=The Inside Scoop: Chemistry, Perron and Gonchar|url=https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/the-inside-scoop-chemistry-perron-and-gonchar/c-781107|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=September 30, 2015}} Perron also changed his jersey number from 39 to 57, which he had worn on previous teams, and offered the first 57 fans who brought back their old Perron jerseys to the Consol Energy Center a new one for free.{{cite web|last1=Sobotka|first1=Lee C.J.|title=Perron Changes His Number; Offers Jersey Exchange|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/perron-changes-his-number-offers-jersey-exchange/|website=thehockeywriters.com|publisher=The Hockey Writers|access-date=July 26, 2020|date=September 5, 2015}} Following camp, Perron began the season often skating on the Penguins second line.{{cite web|last1=Gretz|first1=Adam|title=Penguins shuffle lines, split up Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/penguins-shuffle-lines-split-up-sidney-crosby-and-phil-kessel/|work=CBS Sports|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=October 23, 2015}}

On January 16, 2016, Perron and Adam Clendening were traded to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Carl Hagelin. At the time of the trade, Perron had recorded 16 points in 43 games with 28 penalty minutes.{{cite web|title=Ducks Acquire Perron and Clendening from Pittsburgh in Exchange for Hagelin|url=https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/ducks-acquire-perron-and-clendening-from-pittsburgh-in-exchange-for-hagelin/c-797985|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=January 16, 2016}} Often playing alongside Ryan Getzlaf, Perron recorded 14 points in his first 15 games with the team and led the league in Plus–minus.{{cite web|last1=Shohara|first1=Kyle|title=Q&A: David Perron|url=https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/q-a-david-perron/c-870012|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=February 22, 2016}} By the time he suffered a shoulder injury in a game a Winnipeg Jets in March, Perron recorded 20 points in 28 games, surpassing his total with Pittsburgh. His hot start slowed down on March 20 after it was announced that he was expected to miss four to six weeks to recover from a separated shoulder.{{cite web|last1=Necciai|first1=Mike|title=David Perron to Miss 4-6 Weeks with Separated Shoulder|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/david-perron-to-miss-4-6-weeks/|website=thehockeywriters.com|publisher=The Hockey Writers|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 1, 2016}} During his recovery period, Perron worked out with fellow injured teammate Kevin Bieksa before they both returned to the Ducks lineup prior to the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs.{{cite web|last1=Mastracco|first1=Abbey|title=Ducks getting healthier as Game 1 nears|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/anaheim-ducks-stanley-cup-playoffs/c-280294960|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 13, 2016}}

During Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Nashville Predators, Perron continued to play alongside Ryan Getzlaf and right winger Chris Stewart. He ended the game with his second-highest amount of minutes on the ice with 18:25 minutes as the Ducks lost 3–2. After the game, Perron said his injury had affected his playmaking abilities: "Having not played together for a little while, and me being a half-step behind can make a big difference. I thought the game was extremely fast early on. Again, to jump right into the playoffs isn't easy, but it was a fun, emotional game."{{cite web|title=Game 2 Pregame Report: Bieksa Likely Draws in For Injured Manson|url=https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/game-2-pregame-report-bieksa-likely-draws-in-for-injured-manson/c-879254|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 17, 2016}} He eventually bounced back and helped the Ducks lead their series 3–2 by scoring his first goal of the post-season 22 seconds after Ryan Johansen in Game 5.{{cite web|last1=Mastracco|first1=Abbey|title=Ducks grab series lead with Game 5 victory|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ducks-defeat-predators-game-5/c-280449798|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 23, 2016}} After losing to the Predators in Game 7, coach Bruce Boudreau was fired and Perron became an unrestricted free agent.{{cite web|last1=Mastracco|first1=Abbey|title=More changes expected for Ducks after playoff failure|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ducks-season-in-review/c-280525630|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 30, 2016}}

On July 1, 2016, Perron signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract to return to the Blues. Armstrong commented on Perron's return by saying "he's coming back as a much more mature player on and off the ice, and we're going to be the benefactors of that."{{cite web|last1=Pinkert|first1=Chris|title=Perron Signs Two-Year Deal with Blues|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/perron-signs-two-year-deal-with-blues/c-888104|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=July 1, 2016}} Perron also met with the management of the Montreal Canadiens during the summer who offered him a one-year contract compared to St. Louis' two years. He shared his disappointment with Réseau des sports on the turnout, saying it was a dream for him to play in Montreal one day.{{cite web|title=David Perron revient sur l'offre déposée par le CH en 2016|url=https://www.rds.ca/hockey/lnh/on-jase-david-perron-revient-sur-l-offre-de-contrat-du-ch-a-son-endroit-en-2016-1.7403086|website=rds.ca|publisher=Réseau des sports|access-date=July 31, 2020|language=fr|date=April 13, 2020}}

Perron subsequently began the 2016–17 season with the Blues{{cite web|last1=Pinkert|first1=Chris|title=Blues set with opening night roster|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-set-with-opening-night-roster/c-282545712|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 31, 2020|date=October 11, 2016}} after attending their training camp.{{cite web|title=2016 Blues training camp roster|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/2016-blues-training-camp-roster/c-281704442|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 31, 2020|date=September 21, 2016}} Although he began the season going pointless in the first six games, he recorded his third career hat trick on October 23 in a 6–4 win over the Calgary Flames.{{cite web|last1=Rutherford|first1=Jeremy|title=Perron's hat trick lifts Blues over Flames|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/perron-s-hat-trick-lifts-blues-over-flames/article_3193b303-112e-5263-a7d6-16da4f461918.html|website=St. Louis Today|access-date=October 23, 2016|date=October 23, 2016}} Perron spent the remainder of the season on the Blues' second line as the team qualified for the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs. They beat the Minnesota Wild in five games before losing to the Nashville Predators in the second round. During their playoff berth against the Predators, Perron was occasionally benched due to taking too many unnecessary penalties.{{cite web|last1=Bowen|first1=Jeremy|title=How two members of "The Kid Line" became first time NHL All-Stars a decade later|url=http://archcity.media/2020/01/22/how-two-members-of-the-kid-line-became-first-time-nhl-all-stars-a-decade-later/|website=archcity.media|access-date=July 31, 2020|date=January 22, 2020}} He ended the postseason with one point in 11 games.

File:David Perron 2018-02-06 2.jpg during their inaugural season.]]

On June 21, 2017, Perron's stint with the Blues was cut short as he was left unprotected and selected by the Vegas Golden Knights at the 2017 NHL expansion draft. NHL analyst Pierre McGuire praised their selection of Perron by saying "there's no question if you're going to be successful and you're Las Vegas, you need guys that can score, David Perron is one of those guys."{{cite news|last1=Rutherford|first1=Jeremy P.|title=Blues lose Perron to Vegas in expansion draft|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/morning-skate/blues-lose-perron-to-vegas-in-expansion-draft/article_1be32e9c-4de7-5ec2-875e-dd83a7b2c33f.html|access-date=July 11, 2020|publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=June 21, 2017}}

Perron began the 2017–18 season with the Golden Knights for their inaugural season but suffered an upper-body injury during a game against the San Jose Sharks on November 24. At the time of his injury, Perron was the second leading points scorer for the team with six goals and 19 points.{{cite news|last1=Schoen|first1=David|title=Golden Knights forward David Perron injured in win|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/golden-knights-nhl/golden-knights-forward-david-perron-injured-in-win/|access-date=July 11, 2020|publisher=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=November 24, 2017}} He was activated off injured reserve by the Golden Knights on December 8, 2017, after missing six games.{{cite web|title=David Perron Activated From Injured Reserve|url=https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/david-perron-activated-from-injured-reserve/c-293817232|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=December 8, 2017}} In spite of his injury, Perron recorded a career-high 66 points in 70 games as the Golden Knights qualified for the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs.{{cite web|last1=Satriano|first1=David|title=Golden Knights roster filled with players having career years|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-expansion-draft-players-fueling-historic-playoff-run/c-298511014|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=May 8, 2018}} When questioned on the Golden Knights success, Perron replied that "every guy in our room has a chip on his shoulder...and every time we step on the ice it's a fight to prove our worth."{{cite web|last1=Johnston|first1=Mike|title=David Perron: Every player on Golden Knights 'has a chip on his shoulder'|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/david-perron-every-player-golden-knights-chip-shoulder/|website=Sportsnet.ca|publisher=Sportsnet|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=December 20, 2017}}

During the Golden Knights post-season berth, Perron recorded nine points in 15 games.{{cite web|title=David Perron|url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/11123/david-perron|website=eliteprospects.com|publisher=Elite Prospects|access-date=July 11, 2020}} He proved to be an asset to the team as they became the third expansion squad in league history to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals in its inaugural season.{{cite web|last1=Billeck|first1=Scott|title=Golden Knights advance to Stanley Cup Final, eliminate Jets in Game 5|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-winnipeg-jets-game-5-recap/c-298712068|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=May 20, 2018}} The Golden Knights competed against the Washington Capitals before eventually losing the series in five games. During the game, Perron and teammate Reilly Smith scored goals in the second period to take the lead 3–2 but Washington scored the winning goal at 12:23 of the third period.{{cite web|last1=Rosen|first1=Dan|title=Capitals win Stanley Cup, defeat Golden Knights in Game 5 of Final|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-vegas-golden-knights-game-5-recap/c-298984386|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=June 8, 2018}} As a free agent, Perron chose to return to St. Louis for a third time by signing a four-year, $16 million contract.{{cite web|last1=Pinkert|first1=Chris|title=Blues sign Perron to four-year deal|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-sign-perron-to-four-year-deal/c-299365706|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 16, 2020|date=July 1, 2018}} When reflecting on his career-high season, Perron called it the "best year of his life" and he remained friends with various members from the team.{{cite news|last1=Schoen|first1=David|title=David Perron calls time with Golden Knights 'best year of my life'|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/golden-knights-nhl/david-perron-calls-time-with-golden-knights-best-year-of-my-life-1516533/#:~:text=After%20helping%20the%20Golden%20Knights,Blues%20as%20a%20free%20agent.&text=ST.,-LOUIS%20%E2%80%94%20David%20Perron|access-date=July 11, 2020|publisher=Las Vegas Review Journal|date=November 1, 2018}}

For the third time in his career, Perron returned to the St. Louis Blues for another season. Coach Mike Yeo spoke highly of Perron pending his return to the city by saying "bottom line is he's here because he's a good NHL player...the track record is there. He did it with us two years ago. He did it last year in Vegas, and I think it makes us stronger from top to bottom."{{cite news|title=Odyssey over, David Perron excited about return to St. Louis|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/09/27/odyssey-over-david-perron-excited-about-return-to-st-louis/37963881/|access-date=July 12, 2020|publisher=USA Today|date=September 27, 2018}} At the beginning of the season, Perron recorded his fourth career hat trick during a 5–3 win over the Calgary Flames.{{cite web|title=David Perron hat trick too hot for Flames to handle|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames-st-louis-blues-recap-david-perron-hat-trick-1.4859658|website=CBC.ca|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=October 11, 2018}} On January 31, 2019, Perron suffered an upper-body injury and was placed on the team's long term Injured reserve list.{{cite web|title=Perron placed on injured reserve|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/perron-placed-on-injured-reserve/c-304345674|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=January 31, 2019}} Due to his injury, the Blues recalled Jordan Kyrou as his replacement until he was activated off injured reserve on March 16, 2019.{{cite web|title=Perron activated from injured reserve|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/perron-activated-from-injured-reserve/c-305833594|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=March 16, 2019}} After recording 46 points in 57 regular-season games, Perron helped the Blues advance in the standings and qualify for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs where they beat the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks to advance to the 2019 Stanley Cup Finals.{{cite web|last1=Korac|first1=Louie|title=Perron on winning side of Stanley Cup Final this time with Blues|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/david-perron-on-winning-side-of-stanley-cup-final-this-time-with-blues/c-307844716|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=June 13, 2019}}

File:Perron during the 2019 Stanley Cup parade.jpg

When the Stanley Cup Finals series with the Boston Bruins was tied 2–2, Perron recorded the game-winning goal in Game 5 as the result of a contested non-called tripping penalty. When asked of the missed call after the game, NHL's director of officiating Stephen Walkom said "we don't make comments on judgment calls within games. There are hundreds of judgment calls in every game. The official on the play, he viewed it and he didn't view it as a penalty at the time.{{cite web|last1=Caron|first1=Emily|title=Controversial Missed Call Leads to Blues' Game-Winning Goal vs. Bruins|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2019/06/07/blues-missed-tripping-call-bruins-stanley-cup-final|website=si.com|publisher=Sports Illustrated|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=June 6, 2019}} The Blues would go on to win the series in seven games following a 4–1 win. Upon winning the Stanley Cup for the first time in his career, Perron brought it to his hometown of Sherbrooke.{{cite web|last1=Butler|first1=Elise|title=Photo Blog: Perron's day with the Cup|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/perrons-day-with-the-stanley-cup/c-308398594|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=July 30, 2019}}

During the shortened 2019–20 season, Perron recorded his fifth career hat trick during a 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche.{{cite web|last1=Korac|first1=Lou|title=Perron nets 5th career hat trick in Blues' 5-2 win over Avalanche|url=https://www.ksdk.com/article/sports/nhl/blues/david-perron-hat-trick-blues-win-avalanche/63-65de72b6-84e3-403a-86a5-70f8efb71fe1|website=ksdk.com|publisher=KSDK|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=December 16, 2019}} Due to his successful start to the season, Perron was listed as a “Last Man standing” option at the 2020 National Hockey League All-Star Game, allowing fans to vote him into the competition.{{cite web|title=Leafs' Marner, Canucks' Hughes among final all-star picks|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/mitch-marner-quinn-hughes-all-star-game-1.5424012|website=cbc.ca|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=January 12, 2020|date=January 11, 2020}} At the time of voting, Perron had recorded 18 goals and 44 points, on track to best his career high of goals. In an effort to encourage fans to vote, Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington said in an interview, "he's playing some of the best hockey I’ve ever seen him play. He's working well with the boys, the boys love him, and it would be great to have him here that week."{{cite news|last1=Timmermann|first1=Tom|title=Perron makes his case for more All-Star votes with game-winning goal|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/perron-makes-his-case-for-more-all-star-votes-with-game-winning-goal/article_a64a0b00-5e13-5f7c-a269-7c97945b96da.html|access-date=July 12, 2020|publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=January 8, 2020}} On January 11, 2020, Perron was voted into the All-Star Game along with Toronto's Mitch Marner, Vancouver's Quinn Hughes, and Washington's T. J. Oshie. He competed in the NHL Shooting Stars challenge where he ended with a four-way tie for fifth place.{{cite web|title=Complete results of 2020 NHL All-Star Skills Competition|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/live-results-2020-nhl-star-skills-competition/|website=sportsnet.ca|publisher=Sportsnet|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=January 24, 2020}} He returned to the Blues lineup following the break before it was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time the league paused play, Perron placed only behind Ryan O'Reilly in team points and led the league in overtime goals.{{cite web|last1=Myers|first1=Tracey|title=St. Louis Blues season snapshot|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/2019-20-st-louis-blues-review/c-316264458|website=nhl.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 4, 2020}}

On May 3, 2021, Perron assisted on an empty-net goal by Ryan O'Reilly near the end of his 900th game in the NHL, his 600th as a St Louis Blue, to record his 600th career point and his 400th with St. Louis, reaching four milestones in the same game.{{cite web|last1=Pinkert|first1=Chris|title=Perron records four milestones in one game|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/perron-records-four-milestones-in-one-game/c-324293482|website=NHL.com|access-date=5 May 2021|date=3 May 2021}}

On July 13, 2022, Perron signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. This was the first time in Perron's career he had signed an NHL contract with a team other than the Blues.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-sign-david-perron-to-two-year-contract/c-334964856|title=Red Wings sign David Perron to two-year contract|website=NHL.com|first=Thomas|last=Roth|date=July 13, 2022|access-date=July 13, 2022}}

On July 1, 2024, Perron signed as a free agent to a two-year, $8 million contract with the Ottawa Senators.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/david-perron-signing |title=Pair of years for Perron |website=NHL.com |first=Sydney |last=D'Amico |date=July 1, 2024 |access-date=July 1, 2024}}

Perron and his wife Vanessa Vandal, an interior designer,{{cite news|last1=Lemieux|first1=Marc-André|title=Les Québécoises en avantage numérique|url=https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2017/04/16/les-quebecoises-en-avantage-numerique|access-date=July 12, 2020|publisher=Le Journal de Montréal|date=April 16, 2017|language=fr}} have four children together.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Alex |date=2024-11-17 |title=Senators Notebook: 'Dark cloud' has lifted for Perron after family health scare |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article/senators-notebook-dark-cloud-has-lifted-for-perron-after-family-health-scare/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Sportsnet.ca |language=en}} Vandal has also been a star on the show Hockey Wives, which covers her pregnancies and decision to return to school for interior design. The family resides in Chesterfield, Missouri with their two dogs, Jack and Stella, and their calico cat, Alice. During the off-season, Perron enjoys time at the lake on his boat.{{cite web|title=David Perron|url=https://athletesforanimals.org/athletes/david-perron/|website=athletesforanimals.org|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-date=August 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818221518/http://athletesforanimals.org/athletes/david-perron/|url-status=dead}}

Throughout his time in the NHL, Perron has been active in various charities and fundraisers. In 2016, he established the David Perron Attitude Hockey Foundation hockey tournament in Brompton. He recruited various Quebec born hockey players to participate with the aim of providing "role models for young hockey players."{{cite web|last1=Lambert|first1=Vincent|title=Du hockey de gros calibre à Brompton|url=http://estrieplus.com/contenu-tournoi_fondation_david_perron_attitude_hockey_jeremy_gregoire_david_perron_nikita_scherbak-1552-42674.html|website=EstriePlus.com|publisher=EstriePlus|access-date=July 12, 2020|language=fr|date=August 1, 2017}} He has also contributed as an ambassador to the Athletes for Animals Foundation{{cite web|last1=Pinkert|first1=Chris|title=Backes Launches Athletes for Animals|url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/backes-launches-athletes-for-animals/c-690880|website=NHL.com|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=May 30, 2018|date=November 10, 2013}} and coordinated a weekend charity tournament with Kris Letang in 2018.{{cite web|title=NHL stars raise $120K during weekend charity tournament|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/nhl-stars-raise-120k-during-weekend-charity-tournament-1.4774834|website=cbc.ca|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=August 5, 2018}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Ice hockey stats}}

{{S-start}}

{{s-ach}}

{{Succession box|before = Ian Cole|title = St. Louis Blues first round draft pick|years = 2007|after = Alex Pietrangelo}}

{{S-end}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Perron, David}}

Category:1988 births

Category:Anaheim Ducks players

Category:Canadian ice hockey left wingers

Category:Detroit Red Wings players

Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States

Category:Edmonton Oilers players

Category:Lewiston Maineiacs players

Category:Living people

Category:NHL first-round draft picks

Category:Ottawa Senators players

Category:Pittsburgh Penguins players

Category:Ice hockey people from Sherbrooke

Category:St. Louis Blues draft picks

Category:St. Louis Blues players

Category:Stanley Cup champions

Category:Vegas Golden Knights players

Category:21st-century Canadian sportsmen