Former 1st-round selection forward Brendan Perlini is attempting a comeback with the Edmonton Oilers. Perlini, a former 2014 12th overall selection of the Arizona Coyotes, is attempting to get a spot on the Oilers fourth line.
Brendan Perlini In Edmonton Oiler Camp Via A PTO
Perlini has been away from NHL play recently and he’s anxious to get back to playing at the NHL level. He told Mark Spector of Sportsnet:
“I haven’t played in the NHL for a year and a half or longer. That’s a long time,” said the 25-year-old, who was with the Detroit Red Wings when COVID-19 struck in March of 2020. Detroit didn’t make the bubble playoffs, and Perlini ended up with Ambri-Piotta of the Swiss League last season.
“Anyone who knows me closely, my tight circle, knows that COVID — in March of ’20, when it first went down — that was the best thing for me to really sit back, take a look at things and evaluate where I was. Areas I needed to improve — on the ice, off the ice. The whole COVID period has been great for me to get my mind right,” Perlini said. “I’ve grown a lot as a person, as a player. I used that time to put into my body, my game, as well as figuring some stuff out of the ice.
“I was just looking for opportunity, wherever that is.”
Perlini Faces An Uphill Climb
Perlini has never panned out as a 1st-round NHL draft pick. In 239 games he has tallied 46 goals and 30 assists for 76 points. That’s just an 0.32 points per game average. His best season was in 2017-18 when he collected 17 goals and 13 assists in 74 games.
Last season with the Detroit Red Wings he only was able to manage one goal and three assists in 39 games. Oilers’ head coach Dave Tippett has this to say about Perlini:
“He’s an interesting guy,” said Tippett. “There’s lots of talent there. He’s a big guy who skates well, and he’s looking to get his game, his career back on track.
“I met with him this summer down in Arizona. He just wants an opportunity to get his career back on line. He’s motivated to come back and be an NHL player again.”
Mark Spector, Sportsnet
Perlini Looked Good In His Debut
Against the Calgary Flames on September 26th, Brendan Perlini had a goal and five shots in 15:52 of play. If he continues on that path, he just may earn a contract and a roster sort.
Although he has been a skill type player, he needs to use his size and be in the right places to be successful. He’s got a good shot and now needs to start using it. If he can improve his defensive ability, he may find success.
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