It’s not often you see big guys with the speed that Brendan Perlini has. Adept at goal scoring and passing, Perlini seems to know where his teammates are at any given time and can get the puck to them even through traffic. He’s incredibly strong on his skates, so once he gets a few steps on you, he’s as good as gone.

In tight, he has creative stickwork which he tends to use frequently. Perlini likes to force defenders on the outside before making a move to cut into the crease or dish the puck to an open player. His puck control is arguably his best tool and it’s bad news for defenses when the puck is on his blade.

This year with Niagara he was able to show his offensive talent by scoring 34 goals and adding 37 assists. His wrist shot is one part of his game that has him rocketing up draft boards. His quick release and even faster snapshot makes it difficult for goalies to get a read on him. His slapshot is equally as effective.

There are quite a few scoring wingers in this draft, but not many who can control the puck like him, skate like him, and pass like him, all while being aware of what’s happening up and down the ice.

Where Will He End Up In June:

Perlini has a very good chance of going in the top 10. I don’t expect him to fall any farther than 15.

Scout’s Honor:

“Perlini is 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. (October 2013)”

Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations

“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 bigger man with great skating ability, good hockey IQ, and strong skating stride. Plays strong on the puck, and has displayed considerable scoring ability in the early going, and went on to have career offensive totals while playing a 200 foot game.“

Bill Placzek – Draftsite.com

Statistics:

Bio/Interview(s)/Links:

Draft Blog with The Pipeline Show

Interview with Neate Sager of Buzzing the Net

International Tournaments:

Perlini has played once with Team Canada winning a bronze medal in the U18 World Junior Chamipionships, scoring three goals and one assist in seven games.

ETA:

2-3 years

Risk/Reward Analysis:

Risk: 1/5 Reward: 4.5/5

NHL Potential:

Top six scoring winger who can make plays and be placed on the powerplay

Strengths:

Threads passes tape to tape

Vision

Puck control and possession

Breakaway speed

Blistering wrist shot and slap shot

Effective in every zone

Very strong on his skates

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

Skating, while fast and explosive is a bit choppy

For his size, he’s not overly physical and can use that to his advantage more

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive: 8.5/10 Defensive: 5/10

NHL Player Comparison:

– NHL comparison: Bobby Ryan

Video(s):

***

THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph

Follow Shawn on Twitter: @ShawnTHW