David Perron Bio
David Perron (born May 28, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who competes as a left winger for the Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League (NHL). Over his distinguished career spanning from 2007 to the present, Perron has established himself as a skilled scoring forward known for his competitive edge and offensive abilities. He was selected 26th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and has since played for seven NHL franchises, culminating his career journey with a Stanley Cup championship in 2019 with the Blues. Perron has accumulated over 600 career points throughout his NHL tenure, making him one of the consistent scoring threats at his position.
Early Life and Background
David Perron was born on May 28, 1988, in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, to parents François Perron and Brigitte Labrecque. Growing up in Sherbrooke, he developed his passion for hockey at a young age and participated in the prestigious Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament in 2001 and 2002, representing minor ice hockey teams from his hometown. Despite his obvious talent, Perron was overlooked twice during the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League midget draft process before finally being selected in 2006. He subsequently played one season with the Saint-Jérôme Panthers in the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League, where he recorded an impressive 69 points in 51 games.
Despite his standout performance with the Panthers, Perron received no interview requests from NHL teams and went undrafted in 2006. This setback only motivated him further, and he entered his rookie season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Lewiston Maineiacs in 2006. His dedication paid off immediately as he led the team in scoring with 39 goals and 83 points in 70 games, catching the attention of NHL scouts nationwide.
Path to NHL
Perron’s exceptional rookie season in the QMJHL elevated him to 10th overall among 2007 draft-eligible North American skaters according to the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau. He played a pivotal role in guiding the Lewiston Maineiacs to their first President’s Cup in franchise history and participated in the Memorial Cup tournament. During the Memorial Cup run, Perron was the team’s second-leading goal scorer with 12 goals and 16 assists, demonstrating his ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations. His consistent scoring and playoff performance convinced NHL teams of his potential at the professional level.
Following his successful junior career, Perron entered the 2007 NHL Entry Draft where he was selected in the first round, 26th overall, by the St. Louis Blues. On the day of his selection, Perron expressed his determination to make the team at training camp, showcasing the confidence that would define his professional career. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blues on September 5, 2007, after St. Louis Blues President John Davidson praised his tremendous creativity and offensive skill.
David Perron Career
St. Louis Blues (2007-2013)
Perron made his NHL debut during the 2007-08 season, becoming the fifth youngest skater in Blues history at 19 years and 137 days old. He scored his first career NHL goal on November 3, 2007, during a 3-2 loss against the Chicago Blackhawks, recording the tally in the first period off a pass from Doug Weight. Perron finished his rookie campaign with 13 goals and 27 points in 62 games and was selected to participate in the 2008 NHL YoungStars Game, recognizing the league’s top rookies.
The 2008-09 season proved to be Perron’s breakthrough year. He recorded a pre-season hat-trick against the Atlanta Thrashers and impressed team management with his work ethic and perseverance. Blues President John Davidson spoke highly of Perron’s passion, noting that his desire to succeed matched anyone in the NHL. Perron formed the Kid Line alongside Patrik Berglund and T.J. Oshie, a trio used to inject energy into games. He concluded the season placing third on the team in scoring and helped the Blues qualify for the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Edmonton Oilers (2013-2015)
On July 10, 2013, Perron was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Magnus Pääjärvi and a 2014 second-round pick. Oilers coach Dallas Eakins praised Perron’s competitiveness, noting that despite his skill, he possessed a tenacious edge. General manager Craig MacTavish planned to utilize Perron on the left wing alongside Jordan Eberle or Nail Yakupov. Perron tied Eberle for the team lead in goals during his first season with Edmonton. In May 2014, he was named to Team Canada for the IIHF World Championship but was forced to decline due to an injury. His second season with the Oilers was hindered by a hip injury that delayed his start, and he openly expressed frustration with the team’s recurring struggles.
Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks (2015-2017)
On January 2, 2015, Perron was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Rob Klinkhammer and a 2015 first-round pick. He made his Penguins debut the following night, scoring the team’s lone goal in a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens while playing alongside Sidney Crosby. Perron reflected on that debut as one of the happiest moments of his hockey career. During the 2015-16 pre-season, he underwent intensive training including power skating in Montreal and triathlon competitions in Mont-Tremblant, arriving at training camp feeling completely healthy and ready to contribute.
On January 16, 2016, Perron and Adam Clendening were traded to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Carl Hagelin. Playing alongside Ryan Getzlaf, Perron recorded 14 points in his first 15 games and led the league in plus-minus during that stretch. He surpassed his total points from Pittsburgh before suffering a shoulder injury in March that required four to six weeks of recovery. Upon returning for the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs, Perron helped the Ducks battle the Nashville Predators through a seven-game series before the team fell short.
Vegas Golden Knights (2017-2019)
Perron was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights at the 2017 NHL expansion draft after being left unprotected by the Blues. NHL analyst Pierre McGuire praised the selection, noting that any successful Las Vegas franchise needed scoring players like Perron. During the Golden Knights’ inaugural season, he suffered an upper-body injury in November but returned to record a career-high 66 points in 70 games. The Golden Knights advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in their first season, becoming only the third expansion team in league history to accomplish this feat. Perron contributed nine points in 15 playoff games before the team fell to the Washington Capitals in five games.
Return to St. Louis and Stanley Cup Championship (2019)
Perron returned to St. Louis for a third time, signing a four-year, $16 million contract. He called his career-high season with the Golden Knights the best year of his life and remained friends with former teammates. At the beginning of the 2018-19 season, Perron recorded his fourth career hat trick during a victory over the Calgary Flames. After missing significant time due to an upper-body injury, he returned to help the Blues advance through the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, defeating the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks to reach the Final.
In the 2019 Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins, Perron scored the game-winning goal in Game 5 after a contested non-called tripping penalty. The Blues won the series in seven games, giving Perron his first Stanley Cup championship. He celebrated by bringing the trophy to his hometown of Sherbrooke, fulfilling a childhood dream. During the 2019-20 season, Perron recorded his fifth career hat trick and was voted into the NHL All-Star Game, where he competed in the NHL Shooting Stars challenge.
Detroit Red Wings Era (2022-2024)
On July 13, 2022, Perron signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. This marked the first time in his career that he signed with a team other than the Blues through free agency. Perron brought his veteran experience and scoring ability to a Red Wings roster looking to return to playoff contention. During his two seasons with Detroit, he provided leadership and contributed consistently on the offensive end while helping develop younger players in the organization.
Ottawa Senators (2024-Present)
On July 1, 2024, Perron signed as a free agent with the Ottawa Senators on a two-year, $8 million contract. The move represented a new chapter in his career as he joined a Senators team with aspirations of building a contender in the Atlantic Division. Perron’s veteran presence and playoff experience were expected to provide stability and mentorship to the Senators’ young core of players.
Playing Style and Strengths
Perron is known as a versatile left winger with exceptional scoring ability and a competitive edge that endears him to teammates and frustrates opponents. His career-high 66-point season with the Vegas Golden Knights demonstrated his capacity to be a primary offensive contributor. Perron possesses strong puck-handling skills and the vision to create scoring opportunities for linemates. His willingness to drive to the net and compete in high-traffic areas has resulted in numerous clutch goals throughout his career. He has demonstrated the ability to adapt to different team systems and linemates, consistently producing offense regardless of his surroundings.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Perron has reached several significant milestones. His first NHL goal came against the Chicago Blackhawks in November 2007, beginning a journey that would see him accumulate over 600 career points. The 2010 concussion sustained from a hit by Joe Thornton cost him 13 months of play and tested his resilience, but he returned to excel at the highest level. Winning the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019 represented the pinnacle of his achievements. On May 3, 2021, Perron recorded his 600th career point and 400th point with St. Louis during the same game, a milestone achievement that highlighted his consistent production over nearly two decades of professional hockey.
David Perron Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Perron has accumulated significant accomplishments across multiple franchises, with his Stanley Cup championship in 2019 serving as the crowning achievement of his professional career.
Major Championship Highlights
Perron’s most significant career victory came in 2019 when he won the Stanley Cup as a member of the St. Louis Blues. The championship run included a dramatic Game 5 winning goal in the Final against the Boston Bruins. Prior to his NHL career, he won the President’s Cup in 2006 with the Lewiston Maineiacs, capturing the QMJHL championship in his first full junior season. Perron has recorded multiple hat tricks throughout his career, with his most recent coming during the 2019-20 season with the Blues against the Colorado Avalanche. His career-high 66 points with the Golden Knights in 2017-18 represented his most prolific statistical season.
Other Achievements
Beyond his championship accomplishments, Perron has been recognized for his strong play throughout his career. He was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2020, representing the Blues among the league’s top players. Perron has participated in the NHL YoungStars Game twice, earning recognition as one of the league’s top young talents early in his career. His consistent scoring touch has resulted in multiple 20-goal seasons, with his ability to contribute in all situations making him a valuable asset to every team he has played for.
David Perron Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Perron grew up in Sherbrooke, Quebec, as the son of François Perron and Brigitte Labrecque. His parents supported his hockey ambitions from a young age, attending his games and encouraging his development throughout his minor hockey years. The Perron family has maintained strong ties to their Quebec roots, with David often returning to Sherbrooke during the off-season and bringing the Stanley Cup to his hometown following the Blues’ championship in 2019.
Personal Life
Perron is married to Vanessa Vandal, who is an interior designer. The couple has four children together and resides in Chesterfield, Missouri. Vandal has appeared on the television show Hockey Wives, documenting her pregnancies and her decision to return to school to study interior design. The family shares their home with two dogs named Jack and Stella, and a calico cat named Alice. During the off-season, Perron enjoys spending time at the lake on his boat, providing a contrast to the intense competitive nature of his professional career.
Perron has been actively involved in charitable efforts throughout his NHL career. In 2016, he established the David Perron Attitude Hockey Foundation, which hosts an annual hockey tournament in Brompton, Quebec. The tournament features Quebec-born hockey players and aims to provide positive role models for young hockey players in the province. Perron has also contributed as an ambassador to the Athletes for Animals Foundation and coordinated charity tournaments with fellow NHL player Kris Letang.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season with the Ottawa Senators, Perron brings veteran experience to a young and ambitious roster. His two-year contract demonstrates the Senators’ belief in his ability to contribute both on and off the ice. Perron’s primary objectives include helping the team qualify for the playoffs while continuing to mentor the organization’s promising young talent. His scoring ability and playoff experience make him a valuable asset as the Senators look to take the next step in their development. The Senators’ coaching staff is expected to utilize Perron in various roles throughout the lineup, leveraging his versatility and hockey sense to maximize his impact. As Perron continues his NHL career into his late thirties, his dedication to fitness and the game remains evident, positioning him as a professional who can still contribute meaningful minutes while transitioning toward a leadership role within the organization.