Scouting Report: Brendan Perlini, LW, Niagara (OHL)

Central Scouting Rank: 8th

Bio

2013-14 Stats

Overview

Brendan Perlini is a large kid for his age. He is not only tall at 6'3, but he already tips the scales 205 pounds, the average weight of players in the NHL. With his size comes an ability to move through opponents.

Although he is one of the heftiest playing in the OHL, his size doesn't take away from his speed, which he uses in tandem with his great puck-handling abilities to be immovable.

Perlini's father Fred played professional hockey in Britain, which afforded Brendan to learn different techniques in Russia, Sweden, and Finland. Playing on international ice is no problem for Perlini, who appeared in the U-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament for Team Canada, who won the gold medal.

Perlini plays with Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Carter Verhaeghe and would be a great fit with the Maple Leafs due to their chemistry and his size, which many teams look for in prospects.

Pro Comparisons

James van Riemsdyk, and Jamie Benn.

Scouts are saying

ESPN Insider Corey Pronman: 

The Edmonton Journal's James Onusko: 

If first impressions mean anything, suffice it to say that Perlini makes a great first impression. He passes that, always interesting, eye test with flying colours. He’s got great reach and in the warm-up, he was constantly stickhandling.

Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting:

He plays an unselfish game moving the puck around and he gets his stick on pucks and arrives on time for chances. He's a good shooter and has a good touch finishing chances.

Highlights