The Chicago Blackhawks told Brendan Perlini that they would try to find him a new home after he asked for a trade, and they’ve made good on their promise. Perlini has been traded to the Detroit Red Wings. The Blackhawks will receive Alec Regula in return, and do not have to retain any of Perlini’s salary.
The 23-year old forward had played just one game for the Blackhawks this season after failing to earn a job in training camp, and has now been traded twice in his young career. That’s a disappointing outcome for a player that had such high expectations back in 2014 when he was selected 12th overall by the Arizona Coyotes.
Perlini actually did get off to a solid start to his career, scoring 14 and 17 goals in his first two seasons in the NHL. Even last season after he was traded to the Blackhawks as part of the return for Nick Schmaltz he found success, potting 12 goals in just 46 games. His lack of assists were troubling though and too often Perlini disappeared almost entirely from games, failing to contribute in any meaningful way.
Still, there’s no reason to believe Perlini still can’t make enough improvements to become an impact player at the NHL level. The Red Wings can take that chance given they aren’t expected to compete for the Stanley Cup right away, providing ample opportunity for him to find his game. The Blackhawks obviously weren’t willing to do that, and found an acceptable return.
Regula, 19, was selected 67th overall in 2018 but has already started to show why he may be an NHL option down the road. The 6’4″ defenseman put up 39 points for the London Knights of the OHL last season and is off to an even better start this year. The fact that he played last season with Blackhawks prospect Adam Boqvist should make them very familiar with him. The team does need to sign Regula still, though that is not usually a problem for CHL players. His exclusive draft rights would expire in June, 2020.
I like this player a lot. Not as good, but he has the same skill sets as Jamie Benn.
But, he’s also a lot like Mantha and Bertuzzi so he might be redundant in Detroit, too.
Could still be a top 6 winger one day in the right situation.
What a joke! Lets get another crappy player like Ernie. Worst trade! Young defensemen for another sub par player! Please put mike green on the trading block and Daley ! I could see that in trade geriatric for a younger player! Chicago gets the defensive pair for their top draft Adam Boqvist! We get a Ernie like has bin ! Great move if you want the wings on the bottom of the NHL. If you want to tank the season for this years top
Draft pic just tell us!
Perlini is 23 years old dude.
Perlini is worth a shot for Yzerman. He is a low risk high reward type of player. He is still young enough he could turn into a top 6 forward. Yzerman obviously knows talent he knows what he is doing.
This is a good move for Chicago he wanted out so bye bye. Regula will come up in a few years and pair with Boqvist former London Knights teammate. Good trade for Chicago!
The only way Perlini turns into a top 6 winger is if the top 12 wings in your organization get injured in a bus crash. The fact the Hawks got anything for him is a steal by Bowman.
unclemike1525,
Agreed!