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Brandon Pirri, C |
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Shoots: L |
Height: 6-0 |
Weight: 180 |
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Born: 1991-4-10 |
Hometown: Toronto, Ont. |
Drafted: 2009 2nd round 59th overall – Chicago Blackhawks |
Observations:
May 2014 – After being traded to the Florida Panthers, Brandon Pirri has flourished with his new team getting seven goals and seven assists in 21 games. Pirri has proven himself as an offensive threat on a team that has a lot of center depth with Barkov, Bjugstad, Shore, and Trocheck. GM Tallon plans on shifting some centers to the wing to start next season. I could see him with a more offensive role next season playing on the wing since Shore and Trocheck have proven more proficient defensively. Pirri has done well on the Panthers powerplay with two goals and five points in 21 games, which would lead all Panthers in powerplay points over a full year (Brian Campbell is next with 12). Expect to see his numbers rise next year with a full season in the NHL and continued time on the powerplay. Jake Patterson
March, 2014 – A point-per-game player in the AHL for two seasons now and probably NHL-ready, Pirri has been traded to the Panthers for two draft picks (a third and a fifth). That’s a pretty solid return and it speaks to his talent and upside. The Panthers have landed who I feel is a Kris Versteeg-type, minus the recent injuries that have slowed Versteeg down. There is potential here to contribute from the second line right away. – Dobber
October 2013- Since being recalled on October 12th Pirri has three points in as many games, including a two point effort against the Leafs on the 19th. It’s all the more impressive given that Pirri is averaging just under 10 minutes per game in a bottom-six role. He’s making a good case for a promotion should an injury strike a top-six player. Rex Doty
September 2013- So far Pirri has missed all of Chicago’s exhibition games with an undisclosed injury that suffered prior to the final training camp scrimmage. He has started skating again, but isn’t expected to play in the exhibition game against the Red Wings on 9-22. Reports are that the Blackhawks will be looking to trim their roster following their matchup with the Pens on 9-23 and get down to serious prep work for the season opener. Pirri will either open the season in a bottom-six role in Chicago or back in Rockford as things appear now.
July 2013- With the Blackhawks trading Dave Bolland to the Maple Leafs, the door is now open for Pirri in Chicago to step up. He’ll get his shot at a bottom six role this fall. Pirri is coming off a 75 point season with the Rockford IceHogs, a career high in his three AHL seasons. Rex Doty
March 2013 – Although Pirri’s numbers are down this year, he has improved defensively and has become a more completely player. To quote Stan Bowman (via The Hockey News Future Watch): “People forget that this would be his senior year of college…he would just be starting his pro career next year (had he not left early)” – Dobber{source}
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March 2012 – Pirri excelled fairly well at the college game at RPI (ECAC) that he decided to make the jump to pro after just one season. He is a skilled offensive centerman that has good speed and stick handling ability. The problem with Pirri is that he is still bulking up to meet the rigors of the professional level while developing his defensive side too. He is now in his second season with Rockford (AHL) and has pleasantly improved his production. – Russ Bitely
Fantasy Outlook: B+
Pirri is a skilled puck handler and playmaker who has steadily improved each year as a pro.
Footage:
Brandon Pirri scoring with Chicago Blackhawks during pre-season game on 9/25/2011.
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Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR’s released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):
2009 Fantasy Prospects Report:
Pros: As evidenced by his point totals, Pirri owns a drool-worthy offensive toolkit. The crafty center can dominate off the rush with his soft hands and quick, low snapshot. What makes him truly special is his ability to get rid of the puck in the middle of a deke. And while he doesn’t have Andrew Cogliano’s speed, Pirri finished just eight points off the former first rounder’s draft year point total in the same league. Cons: While he lead Team Canada in scoring, Pirri showed that he still has a long ways to go at the World Junior A Championships. His explosiveness is not up to par and he was muscled off the puck far too easily.
Comparison: Martin Erat
Upside: Scoring-line forward, 50 points
Years Away: 3+ (as of 2009)
Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.
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