The Dallas Stars signed forward David Perron to a one-year contract worth $850,000 on Friday, bringing in the veteran to add depth as the club works through a slow start and multiple forward injuries.
The 38-year-old will open his 20th NHL season with Dallas after spending more than three months as an unrestricted free agent.
General manager Jim Nill described the move as a fit for a team chasing a championship.
“We are excited to welcome David and his family to the Stars organization,” Nill said. “He brings a competitive mindset and a proven ability to perform in big moments. We believe his veteran leadership and skill set will be a valuable addition to our group as we continue to build toward our goal of winning a Stanley Cup.”
Dallas opened the 2026-27 season at 3-3-1 through seven games and sits sixth in the Central Division with seven points.
The Stars have scored just 15 goals in those contests, averaging 2.14 per game and ranking near the bottom of the league offensively.
Perron produced 28 points, with 13 goals and 15 assists, in 65 regular-season games split between the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings last season. He collected 10 goals and 25 points in 49 games with Ottawa before a March trade to Detroit, where he added three goals in 16 appearances.
The Sherbrooke, Quebec, native has totaled 812 points on 332 goals and 480 assists across 1,239 career regular-season games, along with 877 penalty minutes.
Those numbers span stops with the St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Vegas Golden Knights, Ottawa and Detroit.
Perron reached career highs of 50 assists and 66 points in 2017-18 with Vegas, helping the expansion franchise reach the Stanley Cup Final. He has played in 110 postseason games and recorded 64 points while posting a plus-5 rating in those contests.
The winger won the Stanley Cup with St. Louis in 2019 after contributing 16 points in 26 playoff games that spring.
Originally taken 26th overall by the Blues in the 2007 draft, the 6-foot, 202-pound forward has suited up for seven organizations.
His time in Pittsburgh covered 86 games over the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, yielding 16 goals, 22 assists and 38 points.
The addition arrives while the Stars manage significant forward absences, led by Matt Duchene’s expected three-month recovery from core surgery. Oskar Back is also out four to six weeks with a broken finger, and other players have dealt with shorter-term issues.
Perron will not be available for Saturday’s game at the Chicago Blackhawks because of visa processing but is expected to join the group shortly afterward.
Coach Glen Gulutzan has said the veteran will need a few skates to reach game speed once he arrives.
Dallas has ranked among the league leaders in goals against through the early schedule, giving the club a solid defensive base while it seeks more consistent scoring.
Nill’s comments framed the signing as another step in the organization’s push for a Stanley Cup.
