Unrestricted free agent center Brandon Pirri signed an one-year, $1.1 million contract with the New York Rangers. The former Anaheim Ducks forward was scheduled to enter the off-season as a restricted free agent. The Ducks did not submit a qualifying offer to keep his rights, thus allowing Pirri to test the open market.
Hearing NYR to sign Brandon Pirri. One year approx $1.1M
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 25, 2016
Brandon Pirri Signed
Pirri signed his entry level contract initially with the Chicago Blackhawks back in 2010. After one season at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Pirri signed his ELC, a three-year, $2.7 million pact to start his professional career. Chicago’s 2009 second round pick would play only 35 games in the Windy City. He was traded to the Flordia Panthers in 2014.
Pirri would go on to split last season between Anaheim and the Florida Panthers. The Ducks acquired the 25-year-old center for a sixth-round pick after the Panthers had decided it was time to move on.
Pirri has compiled 62 points in 122 NHL games. He is not known as a forward that drives possession, but has a respectable Corsi-for percentage of 50.2 but has been sheltered in his zone starts, with 57.3 percent starting in the offensive zone. The Toronto, ON native is just entering his prime and a promising upside that his new team will be able to insert into their lineup.
Streaky Performance
Pirri also lacks the size NHL teams are looking for these days. Listed at 6′ and 183 pounds. Coupled with his on or off scoring there are some issues to iron out as Pirri settles in with his new squad.
New York will also aim to get a degree of regular scoring from the talented center/winger. Pirri has been inconsistent in his play during his professional career and a streaky scorer. His talent is that of top-6 forward, but the long dry spells, and lack of all around game lock him in as a secondary scorer with sheltered minutes. Pirri was selected as part of Last Word On Sports 2016 All Unqualified Team as well.
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