DAVID PERRON A BRIGHT LIGHT IN CALGARY

ESN - While watching practice in Calgary before their first pre-season game, ESN analyst Bob McKenzie Jr. noticed one thing above all else.

"This team is sort of young," said BMJ.  "You know with Brent Sutter behind the bench they are going to get very good coaching, but man they are young.  There is a lot of teaching going on in Calgary right now."

Indeed the Flames will be a young group this year.  Gone are veterans Robert Lang and Tomas Holmstrom.  They brought in four college free agents in Matt Gilroy, Tyler Bozak, Christian Hanson and Jeff Lovecchio.  Ryan Callahan was acquired from Carolina.  However, the name that has fans in Calgary buzzing heading into the season is David Perron.

"He's already the most talented player on this roster with the puck on his stick," said BMJ.  "His hands are just incredible.  He controls the puck so well and his vision is so advanced for a 21 year old.  He has a sneaky shot as well.  He isn't the a blazer on the ice, but he can do everything at top speed which is a special talent.  He's going to make things happen for this team."

Perron was originally selected 18th overall in the 2007 NsHL Entry Draft by the Atlanta Thrashers.  The Thrashers wouldn't hold his rights very long.  Perron was sent to Calgary along with a 2nd round pick for veteran winger Cory Stillman on New Year's Eve.

"That was quite a night," said Perron.  "I was caught off guard a little bit just because of the timing of the deal.  I don't think anyone expects to get the phone call when you're hosting a party, but that's how it happened for me.  I had a nice little talk with Atlanta's general manager Dave Cherniwchan when he called to tell me my rights had been traded.  I told him I still felt very fortunate to have been a first round selection and I was looking forward to playing in Atlanta, but things like that are our of your control.  I also got to speak with Calgary's general manager Andrew Drummond that night and he was very excited, which made me feel pretty good."

Calgary signed Perron to a three year entry level contract this summer with plans to give him a look at camp.  Perron not only got a look, he now appears to have earned top line duties.

"Things have gone very well so far," said Perron.  "We have a lot of young guys in camp which keeps things light in the room.  It's a lot of fun to come to the rink every day and know that you have to battle for ice time but it doesn't feel like something we can't handle.  Coach Sutter has been great to work with and has already helped me a lot.  I'm looking forward to getting that first regular season game out of the way.  I haven't been nervous so far in the pre-season, but I think opening night is going to be a little different."

In five pre-season games, Perron has two goals and three assists.  His five points lead the Flames.  He's also been credited with eight hits, second on the team.

"I think that's how they want me to play," said Perron.  "We are going to try to be aggressive on the forecheck and create pressure.  The coaching staff has been telling us not to do too much but to keep our intensity level up and move our feet.  I think we have had some very good moments so far when we have done that.  As long as we keep skating I think we will be fine.  For me I think I play better when I have a little edge to my game.  I'm not the most physical player out there, but once you get involved in the game I think your focus gets a little better when you are physical.  I am very excited about our team and looking forward to getting the regular season going."

It appears David Perron will be getting very good minutes to start the season in Calgary.  There are many talented rookies entering the NsHL this season, and Perron is definitely one to keep an eye on.