On March 2nd, 2014, GM Dale Tallon made a move that was largely under the radar at the time. His deep knowledge of the Blackhawks talent pool was about to pay big dividends.
Brandon Pirri was drafted by Tallon in the 2nd round (59th overall) in the 2009 NHL Draft. Because of the numbers game and stacked lineup in Chicago, there was no place for Pirri to play or get consistent ice time.
Chicago GM Stan Bowman was in a tough spot with this talented, yet unknown commodity in his organization. When Tallon came calling, Bowman was agreeable to a deal.
Tallon sent a 2014 3rd round pick and a 2016 5th round pick to the Blackhawks for Pirri. Many considered it to be an organizational depth deal for Florida.
Now it looks like Tallon may have found a diamond in the rough.
Pirri had scored 10 goals and 14 assists in 25 games for the Rockford IceHogs and was also named MVP of the AHL All-Star Game earlier that year.
But Bowman felt like Pirri’s stock would only diminish in time since he couldn’t be sent back down to the AHL and there wasn’t much room for him on the big club. Chicago head coach Joel Quenneville was also concerned about Pirri’s defensive capabilities, but he has not been a liability on that end with the Panthers. Bowman felt with Teravainen and other players on the horizon, Pirri was expendable. That might not have been a wise decision. With Saad now traded away, how important would a guy like Pirri be for Chicago this season?
If not for injury, Pirri might have had a huge coming out party last year. If there is any concern about Pirri it is his lack of staying healthy. But when he is, he is exactly the type of scorer that Florida has been lacking for years.
He shoots first. And I mean he REALLY shoots first.
In 49 games last year, he scored 22 goals and 2 assists. TWO ASSISTS. This lopsided goals-to-assist ratio was the most in NHL history.
“It’s kind of strange and I can’t even explain it,… said Pirri. “Both of my assists weren’t even passes. It’s very strange. Next year I’ll get some more assists.…
Of course there are ebbs and flows to every player’s season, so that number is not science. But it is fair to assume he would have been a 30-goal scorer on this team over 82 games. Sadly the last player to score 30 goals for the Panthers was David Booth during the 2008-09 season.
Now 100% healthy, Pirri also has an upgrade regarding linemates. His projected line of Nick Bjugstad and Reilly Smith is sure to pack a heck of a punch, especially since Bjugstad also has a shoot-first mentality. He had 24 goals before a nagging back injury and subsequent surgery forced him to miss the final 10 games last season. Smith and Pirri played on the same line for six years in elite (AAA) youth hockey associations across suburban Toronto from ages 9-15, and are excited to be reunited on the NHL level.
Pirri has no problem going into the dirty areas, so the rebound opportunities should be plentiful for this line that I feel could be the most productive for Florida.
For a 3rd and 5th round pick, Pirri has already far exceeded what Tallon gave up to acquire him. Not only should his base salary of $975,000 this year be a steal, but this is also a contract year for him. He is scheduled to be an RFA next summer. It is definitely in his benefit not only to stay healthy, but improve on his great numbers from last season. He will be motivated on both accounts.
With all the young talent on the roster already and the other kids coming up, it’s easy to lose sight of Pirri. He’s only 24 years old and has 29 goals, 9 assists in 70 games as a Panther. It would be hard to imagine he doesn’t continue to improve.
When this trade was first announced I distinctly remember many Blackhawks fans being very upset about the deal. Not only because they saw Pirri’s potential, but that Bowman dealt him away for so little.
If Pirri somehow becomes a 30-goal guy throughout his prime, he will indeed have been a steal for Tallon and the Cats. Health-willing, Pirri should easily make that a reality.
Dan Spiegel Florida Panthers Media