The only time he's seen consistent duty as a top six center was in 2011-2012 while Backstrom was hurt. Perreault centerd Semin and Chimera, and produced reasonably well (around a 50-point pace, and actually led the team with 2.36 P/60). Granted, this was over a relatively limited span and with quality linemates (Chimera was it the midst of his career season, offensively) and usually against 2nd and 3rd defensive pairs (the Ovechkin line obviously taking the harder match-ups).
Otherwise, he's mostly been utilized for offensive depth in Washington, getting shelterd minutes, but producing quite well in them. Both Hunter and Oates tended to use him in energy roles, on both the 3rd and 4th line to provide a spark. Oates, being more offensively minded, did give him better linemates and offensive chances than Hunter, though. He was sometimes a healthy scratch under both coaches though, including Hunter benching him in favor of Keith Aucoin during the playoffs.
Boudreau primarily used him as a sparkplug off the bench, calling him up when the team hit a slump or a player was injured. Perreault was essentially guaranteed to provide instant offense during that span, but would fade after a few games and would be relegated back to the press box/Hershey. Granted, this was also a few years ago and earlier in Perreault's career.
While it's certainly possible he becomes a late bloomer, it's like what you see is what you get from Perreault at this point. I question his ability to read the play to an extent (his game is relatively "simple" and he tends to chase the puck a bit), but his energy and skill allow him to still be a useful player. His game revolves around going hard all the time. He zips around the offensive and neutral zone, attempting to make life difficult for the other team. However, while he's certainly a spark plug, it can sometimes lead to him being behind the play heading back into the defensive zone (especially if he gets knocked down).
He's certainly shifty with the puck, but sometimes his coaches (particularly Oates) would prefer if he made the simpler play. He's got a nice one-touch pass, that's particularly useful on the powerplay. He's not afraid to shoot either, and will do his best to get open in the slot or around the crease when he doesn't have the puck. His goals tend to be more opportunistic than snipes, but they count all the same.
In the defensive zone, he doesn't have the strength to really challenge players physically in the slot. He attempts to compensate for this by aggressively cutting down passing lanes and challenging players with his stick. Sometimes this can lead to him being pulled out of position, though. He's certainly willing to battle along the boards (same with in the offensive zone), but the results are mixed if he doesn't recieve support.
He's a good piece at a very affordable price. Best suited for scoring depth, but he does have the potential to flourish in an increased role in the right situation. Considering you gave up essentially nothing for him, it should be a good trade for Anaheim, even if he ends up as a 4C more than a 2C.
I think he can play both wing and centre. I wonder if one of the wingers will be out for longer than expected or if he's gonna play C.
the interesting thing is i believe perreault can play LW correct??
There have been various openings at LW in Washington over the years, but none of the coaches (Boudreau/Hunter/Oates) have been willing to give Perreault a shot there. Oates even went as far as playing Matt Hendricks, Aaron Volpatti, and an ice cold Jason Chimera as the 1LW when Laich and Johansson were out last season, while Perreault was relegated to a 3/4C role.
It doesn't mean he can't play LW, just that the coaches in Washington never believed he could for whatever reason.