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The Curious Case of Brendan Perlini

August 5, 2019, 10:23 AM ET [203 Comments]
Tyler Cameron
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


As the Hawks news calmed down a bit, as did my writing.

I took a little break as we truly are in the dog days of summer with very little going on in Blackhawks-land other than the Kirby Dach tour continuing in the WJSS.

There is one outstanding item on Stan’s list however – Brendan Perlini.

The curious case of Perlini has unexpectedly spilled into August. After the season was over, I honestly, I would have expected Perlini to be inked to a new 1 or 2 year contract.

While he didn’t set the world on fire, I wanted to see more.

As I’ve stated a couple times here when the Nick Schmaltz for Dylan Strome and Brendan Perlini trade happened, I was really excited about Perlini.

He was a player that stuck out to me when the Hawks played ARI, as well as with his play in juniors and with Team Canada.

There’s a lot to like. He’s big coming in at 6’3 and 212 lbs. He’s also fast, which, at that size is the perfect conbimnation in today’s NHL – and to be honest, a combo that the Blackhawks sorely have missed in recent years.

I mean, you can’t tell me that the Hawks couldn’t use more of this:




However, while the above highlight is nice, it’s not the Perlini you see on a consistent basis.

I wasn’t the only one that had an issue with his consistency, so did Jeremy Colliton. Coach JC healthy scratched the big winger on multiple occasions. There was a lot of talk from Colliton that he was working with Brendan on his play away from the puck.

Overall, Perlini played in 46 games for Chicago last year registering 12 goals, 3 assists. Most of his production was driven from a hot couple of weeks.

The big question is, how much is Perlini worth and why is he still unsigned?

Scott Powers of The Athletic is reporting that according to a source, Perlini and the Blackhawks are about $500k apart in contract negotiations.

The Hawks are offering $1M, while the Perlini camp is looking for $1.5M.

That’s not an insurmountable difference, however, the Hawks don’t have a lot of room to play with. The $1.5M reported asking price is lower than some predictions that were out there; based on his history he’s more in around the $2M range.

I personally think it would be silly to give up on a 23-year old former 1st rounder that has shown nice potential. I would like to see him on a 1-year deal.

If Chicago can get a Perlini that is closer to the NHL’s 2nd star of the week which he was award mid-March, then he’s worth the $1.5M on a 1 or 2 year deal.

I mean I could handle more of this:




One thing is for certain though – if signed – he will have to really bring it in training camp as he now has some serious competition with the offseason additions.

What say you? Do you think Perlini has a spot still in Chicago? If so, are you comfortable with a $1.5M?

There is a scenario where Perlini is traded as well.

Thoughts?


See ya out there,

TC
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