The Chicago Blackhawks have come to terms on a contract with restricted free agent forward Brendan Perlini. The deal will be a one year contract worth $874,125. The move was announced by the Blackhawks on Friday.
Bubz is back!
Brendan Perlini has signed a 1-year deal for the 2019-20 season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/Thq21QHg1S
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 6, 2019
Brendan Perlini Returns to Chicago
Perlini, a 23-year-old forward, was selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He broke into the league during the 2016-17 season, a year in which he scored 21 points while suiting up for the Coyotes in 57 games. He built on this effort in his sophomore season, tallying 30 points while playing in 74 games.
Perlini made his way to the Blackhawks in 2018-19 when he, along with Dylan Strome, was acquired by Chicago in exchange for Nick Schmaltz. The Guildford, England native registered 15 points in 46 contests for the Blackhawks. Perlini joins the list of restricted free agents to re-sign in the last few weeks.
Over his 3-year NHL career, Perlini has played for the Blackhawks and Coyotes. He has put up 45 goals and 27 assists for 72 career points in 199 career games.
Outlook
Perlini is far from a headlining talent for the Blackhawks, but he has shown promise in the past. The forward shows a knack for goal scoring with more career goals than assists. With a relatively shallow bottom six, Chicago should afford Perlini the chance to grow further as an NHL player. The numbers may not be dazzling, but Perlini is a talented forward that showed enough to be a top 15 draft pick. With a PDO of just 97.2 last season, a bit of luck and an increased role may allow the forward to blossom into a solid contributor.
In addition, this serves as a very low-risk move for the Blackhawks. Chicago’s lineup is solidified at the top, but the bottom of their forward group is rife with opportunity. If Perlini does not work out, the Blackhawks have nothing to lose. Look for Perlini to slot in on the third line to start the 2019-20 campaign.
Main photo:
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