Over the years, Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has made no bones about the fact that he has a hard time trusting people he has no familiarity with from experience.

That certainly played a role in his decision to bring David Perron back in the trade with the Ottawa Senators.

The veteran forward was a Red Wings player from 2022 to 2024, and he was a good one. Perron scored 41 goals over his two seasons in Detroit.

“Easy locker room to walk back in,” Perron told Sportsnet. “Obviously familiar with everything, and if something was going to happen, this likely was going to be a top destination playoff team.

“Really excited to be joining back with the squad.”

Perron’s reputation as a key locker room guy is well documented. Players who’ve played alongside him talk about the innate feel Perron has for the team around him. He recognizes when players need a kick in the behind, and when they require someone to listen and relate to their issues.

Perron Can Uplift Red Wings

A specific Perron story the players like to relate occurred during the 2023-24 season. The team was coming off a dismal December. Perron emphasized how much he believed in the group and that he thought they could get 17 points during January.

The Wings went out and got 19 points that month and were right back in the playoff race.

David Perron will wear #57 with Detroit. Last worn by himself.#LGRW pic.twitter.com/qhwIs55TiS

— NHL Rosters (@NHL_Rosters) March 7, 2026

“Well, when you have that belief and that positive vibe, and you’re sharing it with players, they have no choice but to buy into it,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said. “Unless you’re really full of, you know what. And, obviously, he wasn’t wrong. He was right.

“He and others drove that group to the point of almost willing themselves in.

“We think we have a good group right now. We think he can augment that and push it on. He can drag others into the fight for sure.”

What Else Can Perron Add?

The major question with Perron is what he can bring to the ice. He’s coming off sports hernia surgery and won’t be ready to play until mid-March.

The 37-year-old left-winger has accounted for 10 goals and 25 points in 49 games for the Senators this season. Can he give Detroit’s secondary scoring a much-needed boost?

David Perron just on Saturday at the Sensplex, looking super sharp. Wish this guy all the best, he balled out for the Sens and dealt with some pretty heavy stuff while here. pic.twitter.com/Q0MRyGNpBO

— Marc Bourgon (@iconovoxx) March 6, 2026

“I think I just come in and try, and fit anywhere,” Perron said. “Just to be honest, at this point, it’s not really about me. Usually, I go on the line, and I try to be the fixer, whatever. Sometimes it’s having to go to the net a lot more, maybe being more of a playmaker, being more of a shooter. I’ve shown at different times that I can do different things.

“And also knowing where I’m at in my career, a lot of times young guys will be ahead of me, and you got to support them any way that you can. And that’s what I’m looking forward to doing with Detroit this time around, and hopefully score a couple of big goals again.”