David Perron Opens Up About Leaving St Louis

David Perron is still in shock and doesn't know exactly why the St Louis Blues didn't sign him to a contract extension. He's since gone on to join the Detroit Red Wings on a two-year deal worth $4.75 million per season, but there's no denying where Perron's heart lies.

Perron met up with Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic and was very candid about the departure:

I'm still in a little bit of shock that it didn't work out, the way the years went. I guess if you see my performance declining or something, then you're like, 'Maybe there's something there. That’s still like raw to me. I had to let some of the dust settle, and I guess I still have to let that happen. I just felt like that was going to be an easy extension to get done over the summer. I wasn't going to be crazy. I just wanted something where I felt respected. After the performance, the loyalty, winning the Stanley Cup ... all that combined, I just felt like if you wanted someone, you make it happen, you find a way. There's no excuse there for me. That's what is really hurting me, for sure. I'm not saying it's going to be the right or wrong decision from the team perspective, but I just kind of felt like I commanded and earned that a little bit.

Perron's deal with the Red Wings was his first NHL contract he's ever signed that wasn't with the Blues. The veteran winger recorded 13 points in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games after putting up 57 points in 67 regular season games.  He's been a member of the Blues on three different occasions for a combined 11 seasons. Now he makes way to the Red Wings, still in disbelief. 

Photo credit:  Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports