The Ottawa Senators have made a move that some had anticipated, depending on the direction you forecast the end of their 2025-26 season to go. They could finish in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and go on a run with their club. However, it is possible this is a move that prepares them for not making it. In other words, be sellers. The news is that veteran forward David Perron is going to the Detroit Red Wings following a trade for a draft pick. Coming to Ottawa is a fourth-round conditional draft pick. It will be a third rounder if Detroit makes it to the second round of the playoffs, and Perron plays in 50% of the games.
TRADE: Red Wings acquire David Perron from #Sens for conditional draft pick:
• If he plays in a game the rest of the season, it’s a 2026 4th (CBJ)
• if #LGRW win the 1st round and Perron appears in 50% of the games, it’s a 2026 3rd round pick— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) March 6, 2026
David Perron Involved in Trade to the Detroit Red Wings
David Perron is due back soon from his injury. He went down with a hernia injury in January. Now, as we sit here in early March, we could see him return at any time. The Wings will hope he regains his form from this season in Ottawa. He has had 25 points in 49 games played, so fairly strong numbers for the 19-year NHL veteran. For a Wing team poised to go to the playoffs and have a strong showing, Perron’s leadership could prove invaluable.
The Sens Angle
The reason we believe this does not necessarily indicate the Sens will be sellers, is because Perron’s impact was uncertain as we are enter the final stretch of the 2025-26 season. Yes, coming off the hernia surgery, he could play great, and keep going from where he was headed on the scoresheet. Although, he might take some time to get back up to speed. If Detroit is going to play him, they have that additional flexibility that Ottawa doesn’t have. Ottawa is fighting for their playoff lives, and can’t be breaking guys in following an injury.
That’s also not to mention the pickup of Warren Foegele earlier tonight. The Sens are just shifting things around slightly. The Sens actually save themselves some money, according to PuckPedia. Foegele makes $3.5 million this year, while Perron is at $4 million. Although the Senators do have plenty of deadline cap space available, upwards of $13 million. Can anyone say Parayko?
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
