Last season, during an intra-squad game Brendan Perlini, was making heads turn in training camp when he injured his wrist. It eliminated him from training camp, and limited his play with the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL.
Still, he managed 26 goals, 34 assists in only 43 games. Yet, this past season, he only was able to muster 25 goals, 20 assists in 57 games. He did play well in the playoffs, however, scoring six goals, and three assists in 14 games.
So what happened to that potential?
Perhaps he is improving his all around play causing his offensive numbers to deflate. In any case, he is a prospect who the new GM John Chayka likes, and feels will be a good NHL player soon. And, with Chayka being an analytics expert Perlini's excellent possession numbers are what he's looking for with his forwards.
He also has the hockey sense and puck skills needed to compete in the NHL. Now, he just needs to put all those skills and qualities to use in making the final roster for the Arizona Coyotes this season. He was the 12th overall selection by the Coyotes in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
To augment his chances, the 6' 2", 212 pound forward has been training in the Valley to get himself ready in case Head Coach Dave Tippett calls his name. The alternative would be to play in the AHL for the new Tucson Roadrunners affiliate. That may not be a bad thing for Perlini, but he's no different than any young prospect when it comes to wanting to play with the big boys of the NHL.
The team's director of player development, Steve Sullivan thinks Perlini has one of the hardest shots in training camp, and that's quite a compliment.
Will his hard work pay off?
He has been putting in the hard work necessary to impress the coaching staff, so he could be on the brink of making the Coyotes' roster.
He has performed well in this year's training camp, but still has not scored yet. He just needs to find his niche, that something which makes him stand out from the other players to be considered as a forward who makes the team.
He was teamed up with Chris Mueller and Christian Fischer in the pre-season game against the Anaheim Ducks at Gila River Arena Saturday night. He didn't get on the scoresheet again, but was still making plays at both ends of the ice.
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There is a logjam of forwards attempting to make the team, and with the uncertainty of Tobias Rieder's status, Perlini wants to be in the mix to replace him on the roster.
Whether or not that will be happening, or if he will be sent down to Tucson may be decided before the team goes on their two-game road trip Sunday afternoon to Vancouver and Calgary.