Perlini was essentially a sweetener in the trade that sent Dylan Strome to Chicago in exchange for Nick Schmaltz this past November, but he showed some promise as a goal-scorer in limited action with the Blackhawks, notching 12 goals and 15 points in 46 contests. The 23-year-old winger could prove to be a solid depth scorer for Chicago in 2019-20, but there's no reason for fantasy owners to spend a pick on him during drafts this season. However, if he starts to show signs of a hot streak, he'll definitely be worth a waiver claim, as he's shown that he can score in bunches in the past.
The power forward from England saw marked improvement in his second NHL season, advancing from 21 points (14 goals, seven assists) in 57 games to 30 points (17 goals, 13 assists) through 74 contests in 2017-18. Perilini has averaged above 1:44 per game on the power play in each of his two NHL seasons, which leaves room for optimism as the young team works toward improving its 29th-ranked offense. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds, he also provides a physical dynamic, as evidenced by his hit count increasing from 42 to 83 in the one-year span. Entering the final year of his entry-level contract, Perlini figures to be a key part of the rebuilding process in Arizona moving forward.
The Coyotes seem to have unearthed a real gem in choosing Perlini with the 12th overall pick in the 2014 draft. Born in England, the brawny winger -- listed at 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds -- appeared in 57 games as a rookie, and he proceeded to light the lamp 14 times to complement seven helpers and five power-play points. But as refreshing as Perlini’s immediate impact was to a youthful club, the Coyotes ranked 27th in the league in goals per game at 2.33, a clear sign that there’s still plenty of work to be done. Shane Doan -- now a free agent -- was a key mentor to Perlini and he had formed the top line with he and burgeoning right winger Christian Dvorak. Interestingly enough, Doan was with the Coyotes for 21 years and that’s how old Perlini is today. Expect growing pains with Perlini as he gains more experience at the highest level, but he'll make for a nice speculative pick if selected late enough in drafts.
Perlini broke his hand in training camp last year after being selected by the Coyotes in the first round of the 2014 NHL Enty Draft. When he got back on the ice with his junior team, he showed the promise that the Coyotes identified, collecting 60 points in 43 regular-season contests and 12 points in 11 playoff games. Despite checking a lot of prospect boxes, Perlini has been passed on the Coyotes' organizational depth chart by new acquisitions like Anthony Ducair and Dylan Strome. That said, Perlini is still expected to be a vital part of the team's rebuilding efforts. He's expected to spend another season with his junior club, before knocking on the door for a NHL lineup spot by 2016-17.
Selected by the Coyotes with the 12th overall pick in June’s NHL Entry Draft, Perlini is a big, fast and talented winger with remarkable quickness and agility for a guy who’s 6-foot-3. He already has a pro shot with a rocket release. And he’s unstoppable when he decides to drive the net. But it’s still difficult to project when he’ll be ready for the NHL, as he’s been inconsistent in the OHL and has sometimes spent too much time on the perimeter. But Perlini is smart, so he knows what he needs to do to improve his game. It’s going to take him some time to thicken up his lanky frame (he’s just 205 pounds), but when he does, he’ll be a complementary goal scorer on the second line. Scouts see a little bit of Jeff Carter in him, and even some James van Riemsdyk. We do, too…just don’t over-invest now. He’s a few years away.
