David Perron returns to the Red Wings following a “excessive” ban.
DETROIT: David Perron’s emotions and instincts took over when he noticed Dylan Larkin lying lifeless on the ice. He crossed-checked the player he believed to be at fault because he felt compelled to take action.
Perron anticipated punishment. But he believes that getting six games for hitting Artem Zub of Ottawa on December 9 was too much.
In the absence of the feisty forward, the Detroit Red Wings went 1-5. In an attempt to end a four-game losing trend, he will be back in the starting lineup tonight at Little Caesars Arena (7 p.m., Bally Sports Detroit) against the Philadelphia Flyers.
“Definitely not easy for me to go through that, turn around and see my captain down on the ice,” Perron said. “I think as a whole throughout the league you’re trying to respond to these types of incidents. Obviously, I got the guy a little high. I understand that there was some discipline that needed to be done. I just felt like it was pretty excessive for the comparables, the history of my career, a lot of things that played into it.”
Naturally, Perron believed that Zub had struck Larkin, but in reality, it was Mathieu Joseph’s punch to the head and Parker Kelly’s cross-check that caused the captain to be out for four games.
“It seems like (Zub) has one knee down between Larks, on top of Larks, when you see me looking back the second time around,” Perron remarked. It happens really rapidly, and you’re making an effort to react appropriately. Things didn’t work out that well. I could see that discipline was something that was required. However, I thought that six was far too many.
Perron attempted to use an appeal to shorten the ban. Even general manager Steve Yzerman attended the three-hour meeting on Tuesday in New York with NHL commissioner show support for his player, but he ultimately served the full six games. In order to make up for some lost pay, he is still hoping to get the ban reduced retroactively. $148,437.48 of his $4.7 million pay was lost due to the restriction.
Perron attempted to use an appeal to shorten the ban. Even general manager Steve Yzerman attended the three-hour meeting on Tuesday in New York with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to show support for his player, but he ultimately served the full six games. In order to make up for some lost pay, he is still hoping to get the ban reduced retroactively. $148,437.48 of his $4.7 million pay was lost due to the restriction.”The process caused some frustration, but you also have to acknowledge the precedent it sets for the NHLPA,” Perron stated. The NHL side is then turned over. I was obviously appreciative of Gary taking the time to speak with Bill Daly, the deputy commissioner, and all of our solicitors. Steve and I, my agent, took a plane over. There were ten or so folks present. Vice president of player safety for the NHL, George Parros, was present. We were hoping for a more logical outcome to come from it. It’s more about records and money right now, which is upsetting for sure.
Perron stated, “That’s usually a factor (in determining the length of a suspension).” “I’m not going to try to hit him over the head there. I’m not attempting to harm anyone. Personally, I missed nearly two seasons’ worth of games because of injuries to my head, neck, concussions, and other ailments. There will be an instance where I go to hit someone even tonight. You’re making an effort to move. You’re attempting to play appropriately. Your goal in the game is to win. It doesn’t imply that I’m attempting to offend the man publicly.
