Brendan Perlini
Position: LW
Current Team: Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Date of Birth: April 27, 1996
Place of Birth: Guildford, Great Britain
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 205 lbs
Shoots: Left
After jumping from Barrie to Niagara, Brendan Perlini took a major step forward this season by putting up 71 points in 58 games, though he tailed off in the playoffs for the Ice Dogs. He finished the year as the eighth-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings.
A big kid who can get bigger and stronger, Perlini still possesses some above-average skating ability to go with a decent handle, strength on the puck, and good vision and passing. He also possesses a sneaky-good shot as well. He also has a bit of a unique perspective, having a father who had a quick eight-game stint in the NHL while also playing in Europe. So, as a youngster, Brendan played some European style hockey while then also getting a taste for the North American game as he matured in Canada as well.
He found a home in Niagara, and had his breakout year this season, just in time for the draft.
Perlini has a lethal combination of speed, puck skills, and hockey sense which allow him to make dynamic plays in all three zones. He plays a high puck possession game and thrives when the puck in on his stick. – Elite Prospects
Like many 16-year-old players in Major Junior, Perlini’s career was slow to develop in its initial stages as he struggled to get icetime with a loaded Barrie Colts squad. However, in the footsteps of Ryan Strome only a few years ago, a mid-season blockbuster trade to the Niagara IceDogs is just what the doctor ordered for Perlini who has been one of the top offensive players in the OHL this season. The 6-foot-3, 195 pound winger is an excellent possession player who plays the game with great pace and determination. Perlini’s skill level is high-end and his ability to take what the defense gives him allows him to create offense naturally rather than forcing plays. If he can add an extra gear to his stride this season there might not be much holding Perlini back from the top ten. – The Scouting Report
A Good Fit in Columbus?
Absolutely. He’s a big kid who is already strong but maintains some speed, and can get stronger. His offensive game is very solid, and he’s able to use his size and speed to his advantage. He has great puck-handling and a good shot, and with his ability to move, set up teammates, and also finish, he could be the perfect addition to the Blue Jackets‘ system in need of some offensive wingers. He’d need to polish his skating a bit, and of course commit to playing a two-way game to go with the skills he has, but you have to love the size, agility, and offensive skill that you see right now.
Perlini in Action