Report: David Perron's future with Red Wings leaked

With the National Hockey League trade deadline quickly approaching, there is always the possibility of players with expiring contract being swapped for future assets. 

Detroit Red Wings veteran forward David Perron, who is playing in the second year of the two-season contract that he inked with Detroit in 2022, could be a potential candidate to be dealt by GM Steve Yzerman. However, with the Red Wings currently in the midst of a playoff chase, those chances were effectively lowered. 

In fact, according to ESPN's Emily Kaplan, don't be surprised to see Yzerman even extend Perron. In her latest piece for ESPN, she writes that a contract extension for Perron could be announced ahead of or around the NHL Deadline of March 8, or perhaps during the offseason: 

"Steve Yzerman is perhaps the most secretive general manager in the league. He won't even publicly (and for all I know privately) put a timeframe on the Red Wings' rebuild. However, in talking to sources around the league, it sounds like Yzerman is focused on making the playoffs this season, capitalizing on a strong first half.

Coach Derek Lalonde had told me what a gut punch it was for the players at this time last season when management decided yet again to collect for the future, trading away Tyler Bertuzzi, Filip Hronek, Oskar Sundqvist and Jakub Vrana. I was surprised, then, a few weeks ago when I heard that David Perron, a pending UFA and an emotional leader in the locker room, was potentially on the move.

I do think there were legitimate discussions about trading Perron, but they have since quieted. In fact, I believe a contract extension for Perron could be in play either right before or after the March 8 deadline. If it doesn't get done, don't be surprised if they re-engage over the summer on a potential new contract in Detroit."

Perron has proven himself to be a valuable asset for the Red Wings, not only chipping in offensively but also providing leadership and serving as a mentor to younger players with his championship experience. This season, he has 12 goals and 16 assists in 50 games that included tallying his 300th career goal in November. 

Additionally, Kaplan writes that Yzerman is reportedly listening to offers on "defensemen", none of which were named in the piece:

"That said, Yzerman has been listening to offers on his defensemen," Kaplan wrote. 

One name that comes to mind is Shayne Gostisbehere, who's defensive play leaves plenty to be desired but has also packed a powerful punch on the power play; he's eligible to become a free agent this summer.

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