The Ottawa Senators should be looking to add to their forward depth this offseason after their short playoff run. One way they could look to do so is through the free-agent market.
While there are not too many big-name pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) this year, there are still some players who could be nice pickups for the Senators if successfully signed.
One player who the Senators should strongly consider targeting if he tests free agency is Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron. The 38-year-old forward is someone the Senators already know quite well, as he was just traded by Ottawa to the Red Wings at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.
While the Senators decided to move on from Perron at the deadline, it would be understandable if they looked to bring him back this offseason. He was solid for the Senators before being traded to Detroit, as he recorded 10 goals, 25 points, and 64 hits in 49 games. With numbers like these, he gave the Senators solid secondary offensive production and grit. Due to this, he could be worth bringing back to Ottawa on an affordable one-year deal.
Perron did struggle after being traded to Detroit, though, as he had three goals and a minus-9 rating in 16 games. While this is the case, Perron's strong resume and past success makes him an interesting potential bounce-back candidate for the Senators to consider signing.
Where Perron could fit in the Senators' lineup if they signed him
If the Senators ended up signing Perron, he would have the potential to slot nicely in their bottom six. However, due to his versatility, he could also move up the lineup if ever needed. He would also give them another option to work with on their power play if he bounced back after returning to Ottawa.
Ultimately, with the Senators needing more secondary scoring and leadership, it would not hurt to bring back Perron on a cheap one-year deal. He would have the potential to be a good addition for a Senators club that could use more forward depth. Let's see if Perron ends up back in Ottawa from here.
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