David Perron’s point production had been underwhelming in Pittsburgh, but Ducks’ general manager Bob Murray believes that has the possibility to change for the better in Anaheim.
The Ducks and Penguins finalized a trade late Friday night/early Saturday morning that sent Carl Hagelin to Pittsburgh, and Perron and defenseman Adam Clendening, to Anaheim.
Playing for the Edmonton Oilers at the time, Perron hit a single-season career high in goals (28) and points (57) in 2013-14. But he didn’t come close to matching that during his time -- 86 games between last season and this one -- in Pittsburgh.
He also joins the Ducks currently in the midst of a 19-game scoring drought.
“He should be motivated. He definitely needed a change of scenery from Pittsburgh. We’ve all seen him get very hot at times. We can use someone getting really hot,” said Murray, as per the Ducks’ website.
“He’s still a young guy. He’s definitely been streaky, but he’s definitely skilled. You’re hoping the chemistry is good with whoever he plays with, and it fits right away. I know he was very excited on the phone last night. It was strange how it all went down.
“We wanted to do it this morning, but somehow it ended up happening late last night. Hopefully he comes here excited. He’ll get to play with one of our two good centermen. Bruce [Boudreau] will figure that out. He’s been known to light it up, and that can’t hurt us.”