Detroit Red Wings: 3 restricted free agents to avoid re-signing
By Bob Heyrman
Brendan Perlini
The Detroit Red Wings struck gold when they acquired former first-round pick, Robby Fabbri, from the St. Louis Blues in a trade that sent Jacob de La Rose out of Detroit. The Wings picked up de La Rose off of waivers the year prior from Montreal, and Yzerman turned that into a top-six forward last year.
More from Detroit Jock City
- Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
- Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
- Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
- This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
- 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings
Yzerman hoped to enjoy the same success with another first-round pick in Brendan Perlini, but his hype never translated to the NHL level. Perlini had been a highly touted prospect drafted 12th overall by the Arizona Coyotes back in 2014. He produced three straight 20-plus point seasons, and then the wheels fell off.
Although even recording 20 points may not strike you as impressive, the hope had been that the young forward would continue to grow at the NHL level and transition to a second line scoring threat.
Detroit shipped a young defender I had some hope could be a third pairing defender at the NHL level one day. Yzerman moved Alec Regula to Chicago in exchange for Perlini’s services.
This past season Perlini only mustered one goal and three assists over 39 games with Detroit. Perlini provided the Wings with a minus -18 rating and a horrific 41.5 Corsi For Percentage. There is absolutely no reason to bring Perlini back next season. Yzerman is better off giving a young forward mentioned earlier Perlini’s spot on the fourth line next season.
Next. 3 players to target after NHL’s salary cap announcement. dark
Perlini will be hard-pressed to find another NHL job. He may be best suited to help an American Hockey League team where he’d surely excel as a top-six forward at that level.