Chicago Blackhawks: Finally sign Brendan Perlini to extension
The Chicago Blackhawks finally signed Brendan Perlini to a contract extension and it was done right in time for camp as training camp is about to begin.
The Chicago Blackhawks spent all summer making moves to make themselves a better hockey team. They added defense, some goaltending depth, and a few young forwards to slot in when need be. The big question over the last few weeks was are they going to get restricted free agent Brendan Perlini signed to a contract extension in time for training camp.
The answer to that question is now yes. The Blackhawks announced on Friday that they signed him to a one year deal worth $874,125. This is a one year prove-it deal for Perlini. He is still going to be a restricted free agent after this year so the Blackhawks are going to give him a chance to earn a much more lucrative contract.
Perlini came over to Chicago as part of a trade that swapped Dylan Strome for Nick Schmaltz. Strome has already asserted himself as the second-line center so if Perlini has a good year that would make the trade look even better than it already does. He is still very young at 23 years old so he could potentially get even better than he was. He is the type of guy who can be inserted on any line which will be good for Jeremy Colliton as he looks for different line combinations.
In 46 games for Chicago in 2018-19, he had 12 goals and 3 assists for 15 points. His assist number is a little low but the 12 goals in 46 games is a 21 goal pace over an 82 game schedule. If the Blackhawks got 21 goals out of Perlini in 2019-20 they would be absolutely thrilled. His best success might come if he was the third wheel on a line featuring Strome and Alex DeBrincat. Those two were linemates in juniors and have reclaimed their chemistry in the NHL, and Perlini would excel by going to the dirty areas on a line with those two skilled players.
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The bottom line is that bringing back Perlini is a smart move for the Blackhawks and their attack is stronger with him in the fold. They appear to be pretty deep at the forward position and that could be key to them scoring as much as they did last year. Perlini being able to participate in training camp is also super important as he won’t have to play catch up at any point. This is a solid deal for both the Hawks and Perlini.