Who’s Next: Brandon Pirri
With Dave Bolland and Michael Frolik already traded out of town, the eyes of the Blackhawks organization are clearly on the future.
One of the names brought up repeatedly by GM Stan Bowman after the Cup rally in Grant Park has been Brandon Pirri, who appears to have a good chance to play a significant role on the 2013-14 Blackhawks.
Pirri was selected with the 59th overall pick in the 2009 Draft (14 spots after Atlanta took Jeremy Morin) out of Georgetown of the OJHL. He spent the following season at RPI, where he posted 43 points in 39 games.
After the Blackhawks won the Cup in 2010, he was certainly on the organization’s radar. But not many expected him to be in the lineup on Opening Night when the Hawks raised their first banner in 49 years.
But, as we first reported, the Blackhawks signed the slender forward and recalled him just hours before the 2010-11 home opener; Pirri took the place of Patrick Sharp that night. Pirri didn’t register a point, and spent the rest of the 2010-11 season in Rockford. In his first season with the IceHogs, the 19-year-old center scored 12 goals and added 31 assists in 70 games.
During the 2011-12 campaign with Rockford, Pirri improved offensively with 23 goals and 33 assists in 66 AHL games. He led the IceHogs in both points (56) and assists in his second full AHL season. Pirri saw action in five NHL games that season as well, and he impacted the stat sheet in these appearances; he was credited with two assists in those five games.
Pirri’s third full season in Rockford saw him take another significant step forward. He finished the regular season as the AHL leader with 75 points and tied for the AHL lead with 53 assists in 73 games. Now 22, Pirri appears to be ready to make the jump to the NHL for more than a few games this fall.
There are some concerns about Pirri at the dot, but that’s nothing new for the Blackhawks; they just won a Stanley Cup with one center winning more than 50 percent of his draws. Listed at 6-0 and 180 pounds, Pirri is a left-handed shot who will likely get a chance to win the second line center role for the 2013-14 Blackhawks.
Great article Tab. 37 has come up the right way IMO. The hard life, and low pay, of the AHL makes players do what is needed to get to the NHL level. He deserves and has earned a chance to win a spot.
Tab, any ideas of who will be at the prospect camp?
Will Teuvo be there?
The knocks on Pirri are (1) not committed to defensive side of the puck, and (2) too easy to knock off the puck. The positives are that he has good offensive instincts and skills.
Something about the Pirri situation doesn’t add up. Add the fact that the Hawks have had a glaring hole at 2C for the past 3 seasons to the fact that the Hawks have not been reluctant to play young inexperienced players (see Leddy, Saad, Kruger, Shaw) equals the question of why hasn’t Pirri been given a shot at the 2C position yet. The answer may be that he wasn’t as ready as the aforementioned young players, but that doesn’t quite pass the eye test either because he has had the offensive game all along – it was on the other side of the puck that he needed to be much better, and as of the latest reports from people that have seen him play in Rockford this year, there hasn’t been significant progress.
I hope he comes in and plays well enough to keep the 2C position, but it just seems like so much wishful thinking right now.
I’m also wondering where Drew Leblanc fits in. From the Stan quotes I read, he mentioned Pirri, Morin, Smith and Hayes – no mention of Leblanc that I saw.
ER- I watched a few practices before this year/ after lockout ended…
Pirri was invisible on the ice-
His skating is less than spectacular… way behind Saad, Shaw.
His D, and board work is weak- he does have a great shot…
He only works w/ great D Forwards (81 like ) or 4th line w/ Kruger to help D wise… but his lack of quickness will be noticed when trying to forecheck!
Kruger/Shaw are way quicker/ responsible D wise.
Re: LeBlanc has not been re-signed yet- so that is why no mention perhaps… don’t know where he fits either… his passing/possession is elite- but skating and D side????
LeBlanc probably also wants an increase from the $1.4mm he made last season. That could be a cap issue. Not sure why he was paid as well as that.
LeBlanc- seems like a pretty humble/realistic kid… I don’t think it’s about the money for him… to me it seems more about the path/playing/ reality of opportunity…
He seems very smart! Another Pirri w better vision/ possession skills…
but doesn’t want to dole around AHL!!!
I’ll say it right now Pirri or someone out of the combination of Pirri, McNeil, LeBlanc or Danault needs to be a “average” NHL center. The Hawks don’t need someone to be great, but they need someone to be more then Marcus Kruger. (Kruger will never be more then a 4th line center or ace PK guy). Shaw is not a top NHL center but he has a ton of heart and with Zus turning back the clock and Bolland on the roster the Hawks could get away with that. Now with Bolland traded and Zus return questionable the Hawks will need something out of the 2nd line center. The Bolland and Frolik moves are only acceptable IF one of the Hawks prospects can run with the promotion. I really hope Pirri can handle the position if not I hope Danault or McNeil gets a legit shot. 2nd line center and 6th D-man will go ALONG way in determining if the Hawks are in a serious position to repeat. Or I can just be wrong which happens alot too.
The Hawks are close to resigning Emery? Why? I like Razor but im not sure why you sign him with Rannata in the fold and other postions that need to be filled? Next I’ll hear Rosey is going to be resigned too? Hard to argue w a GM that just won the cup
Haha. Leafs fans are going crazy right now that Bozak’s representatives have come in with a deal less than 5 mil for 8 years…”Lock me up, I promise I won’t tank…I’m doing you a favor.” Seriously the fans are going crazier over this than we did with Bickell’s actual contract terms.
We need to remember that between Bolland and Handzus we have two center spots open, not to mention needing to re-sign Kruger. I’d venture that Pirri at the dot this fall is a pretty sure thing. Too many needs and too few dollars.
SSHM: I agree that Kruger is probably a 3rd line guy at best that should excel on the PK. I really liked his work this year and think he would be good to team up with some of the rookies on the 4th line next year. A young 20 something Kruger would be the experienced player…, but the Hawks 4th line has played well and seems to spend time in the offensive zone. I couldn’t believe it when Q put them on the ice after the game tying goal in Game 6…I was shocked. 17 seconds later I was elated.
The Hawks having not addressed the 2C position indicates they believe one of Pirri, McNeil or Danault is the future and they do not want to log jam that position. To be honest I have always thought McNeil or Danault was that future 2C. I really didn’t think it was Pirri. I wonder if we might see Pirri be 3C and move 65 to wing with Saad also on that line and LeBlanc (if resigned), McNeil or Danault be 2C.
Thank you for this great article on Pirri Tab…and Mike I agree 100% with your thoughts. I have watched Pirri a lot over the past year and a half and he has really grown as a player…he’s a lot stronger, and is able to deal with physical play. He’s become a concerned 2 way hockey player as evidenced by his +11 this season, playing against top lines, and having revolving wingers. He led the AHL in scoring this season at 21 years of age…that just doesn’t happen in the AHL. I think that Pirri has a great shot of becoming our 2nd line centre…clearly he is going to be given this chance in camp…it is his opportunity to win or lose…I think on a line with Sharp and Hossa, or Sharp and Saad, Pirri would be very successful.
You have to love Leaf fans, what a joke. They try and trade 3rd and 4th line players off their team for 1st line guys all the time and then when someone on their team looks for a payday they think that player is pissing on the team. I love reading their posts.
Some of the guys, Pirri included will be RFA’s next year, so you need to determine if they can stick. Also they have earned the right based on their production in Rockford.
Okay, lots of doubt and naysayers on Pirri…to Wall and ER, who are two of the very best bloggers on hockey, Pirri is not the player that you think he WAS…you don’t play every game in the AHL without getting hurt by being easy to knock off the puck. Pirri has bulked up and has strength in his game. You don’t lead the AHL in scoring at 21 without outstanding offensive skills. You don’t finish the year at +11 without having strong defensive zone presence.
Pirri is going to make a good 2nd line NHL centre. I think he is ready this coming season based on what I saw this past year. So those of you who think that Pirri has little chance or is a huge risk, think again, the kid can play…and as Mike said, spending 3 years in Rockford getting roughed up and knocked around, has made Brandon a strong kid in many ways.
As to LeBlanc, Bowman didn’t mention him this weekend because he was referring to players that have developed within the organization. I can see Bowman giving LeBlance a 2 way contract, so that if he doesn’t make it this year, he can have a season to play the Hawks style in Rockford.
Danault and McNeil won’t be ready this year, IMO, based on their play in Rockford at the end of the season…they seemed a bit lost out there…I guess camp will tell…but in 2 years time, Danault, McNeil, Ross and TT are going to be pushing for playing time.
Pirri certainly deserves his chance – was offensively succesfull in every level of his career. Hawks can try Pirri, LeBlanc, McNeil and Danault at center this year and see what they can do. If they will not pan out, they have 2 more options – acquire center before trade deadline (Handzus like) or use Patrick Sharp in the middle…
@ Sr. Brad – I hope you’re right. It would be great for the Hawks.
In case it wasn’t understood from my earlier post, my Pirri info is based on what others have posted. My first hand observations are very limited – only the couple cups of coffee he has had with the Hawks and only a few Rockford games that I caught on TV this season – very small sample and none in person. So I defer to those that have actually watched him play in person and seen more that a handful of games.
Let’s hope the guys who really know – Stan, Dent and their staffs, know what they’re doing. Whether it’s to prove Pirri is good enough to keep the position or it’s to prove he isn’t and they need to cut bait, at least it sounds like they’re going to give the kid a shot and that’s probably the right move.
Brad- I hope you are right regarding his strength– He does have a great shot and passes well enough… but I saw plenty of One-on-One full length of ice drills… and Pirri did not impress me like Saad and Shaw…
Peter that would be another good/possible line for Pirri – 3rd line w/ Saad/Shaw – who are both fast and defensively responsible…
Pirri is little more than a stopgap type. He’s just not that good. I’ve seen his game. Nice kid. Works hard. But he’s bit material at best at this level of play. Danault and McNeal have an opportunity to seize. Lets leave it at that.
Absolutely wrong Rufus…you don’t lead the AHL in scoring at 21 without tremendous character and talents…and you don’t complete the year at +11 without having defensive zone awareness…
Kids like Pirri have played Chicago Blackhawk hockey for 3 years…he’s going to come to camp and play the game he was taught to play in Rockford without skipping a beat…that’s why they all seem so at home when they get called to the show.
Where will the Hawks top pick from last year(Tearveanen(sp) aka TT) play this year. Will he stay in Finland or come to North America. Is there any chance he plays with the Hawks at the end of next year?
Pete- I would imagine he would spend one more year in Finland.
If Jokerit’s seasons ends with plenty of time to come over and get some games in over here, i could see TT playing in the AHL (kinda like Danualt and McNeil did after their Juniors seasons this year). Maybe he pulls a Black Ace type move if someone gets hurt down the stretch run, but thats the only way I see him in a Hawks jersey (which is unlikely).
We just have too many players who WILL be in the NHL to fit him into the lineup now… (Pirri, Morin, Smith, Bollig)
But that said, I have him in Chicago in 2 years FOR SURE. The kid put up 31 points in 41 games while being a +2 with only 6 PIM… That 31 points was good for 5th on Jokerit. This kid is real so far and his future looks bright!
Pete, I have the same ???’s on TT… I hear rumors that TT has to fulfill some “Army” (Finnish duties) like Joel Armia/ a 2 year commitment- if true- might be why a lot of teams passed on him. I don’t know where he is in that process…
If he stays in Finland for 2 more years- I can see him come straight to the NHL- unless he is still too skinny! He would only be 20- but the kid was by far the BEST in the Hawks Prospect camp last year ( looked like a Pro vs. kids)…
Other then the physical NHL grind- I think he will actually be better/produce more playing with Hawks who can see/think the game as fast as 88/81/10 etc.
The only thing you have to guard a TT against is the NHL pro cheapshot artists…
Rufus also had a great and insightful post about the Hawks not being good enough to beat the Bruins a few weeks ago, so he is obviously all knowing!
I’m siding with Brad here. While I don’t think Pirri is going to be an All Star NHL player, he can not possibly be worse than Dave Bolland was between 10/88 last year. Seriously… like it isn’t possible to be that bad. If he can score a few goals and win a few faceoffs, he will be more than capable of holding down the fort at 2C. Afterall, we’ve seen that the position doesn’t need to have an all star type for the team to win a SC.
As far as TT goes. Bowman has developed the system to the point now where they can actually slowly develop talent because they don’t need to rush people to the show. It’s why his draft was so good this year. They don’t have to reach for NHL ready talent and they can take the guys with higher ceilings. I also feel like this is why they took their time with Pirri.
Tab, waiting on your next article. Hearing Emery is close to signing back with the Hawks.
imo the Hawks will give Pirri a great chance to succeed by slotting him between Sharp & Hossa, two guys that help a center’s faceoff percentage by winning 50-50 draws more times than not. Just as Saad worked out well with Toews & Hossa, Pirri should do well on that line and his offensive creativity and vision will be a plus; as has been pointed out before, you don’t lead the AHL in points and assists as a 21 or 22 year old by accident.
The bigger concern I think many folks have is what the special teams dynamics will look like in 13-14. Replacing Frolik on PK will likely fall on the shoulders of Smith and/or Morin (who had 3 short-handed goals in Rockford in 12-13). Pirri may become an asset on PP if given the opportunity.
JS- I am not looking for a fight… but How many times have you seen Pirri play in AHL or practice? I am looking for your opinion based on that-
My Opinion is offensively – he can produce- but D-wise he IS a great drop off from 36…
So – Just like playoffs- 10/26/88 – was not a good D forward line… Pirri would scare me in the D zone w 10/88…
But could succeed w/ 81 (assuming he will not miss a lot of time w/ back issues)
or w/ 20/65 who are responsible D forwards…
And I agree he is a sniper as is Morin- so PP could/should be better (then again -could it be worse)
The biggest loss(es) this year will be the “new guys” aren’t as fast/are not as good at forechecking/pressuring the puck!!! They are better shooters/hands guys though!
JS- I agree w/ draft – these smaller guys and Ryan H. look to be skilled/fast/diligent forechecker types!!! As is Hinostroza, Danault, and A. Broadhurst!!
It’s funny to me how so many people now think StanJr is some genious GM.. While he deserves credit that his purge and rebuild decisions from the 2010 Stanley Cup Championship team have resulted in another Cup, the reason he’s able to develop and bring along so many kids through the draft and Rockford (and not rush them), is the quality of the building blocks that were laid FOR HIM by Dale Tallon and others before him. DT drafted Toews, Kane and Hjalms, traded for Sharp and signed Hossa. The team already had Keith, Seabrook, CC, Bolland and Bickell either with the club or that were brought up thru Rockford from earlier drafts that contributed to the ’10 and ’13 championship seasons. This is the CORE of the team and the incredible talent assembled by DT is why the Hawks are winning Cups fellas.
As for Jr’s picks, Saad is a winner and shows promise, but he’s not in the class of those that DT built the foundation on. It’s yet to be seen how and if Pirri, Clendening, McNeil, Denault, Ross or even TT will impact the team. Exciting to watch and hope springs eternal, but we are where we are as repeat Champions due to the core assembled by DT. He made plenty of mistakes as GM, but let’s not forget to pay him tribute and in the process go gaga over the guy who inherited a substantive fortune.
We’re still beating the Tallon drum? C’mon now…
Yes, Bowman inherited a core group of players that’s all-world. But he turned over more than half the roster that he “was given” in 2010 and got back to the top before any other GM in the league… and guys like Shero, Holland & Chiarelli were all in their posts long enough to draft and develop guys around the core that won a Cup.
re: Stan’s picks – if Saad’s the only winner with promise, please explain Andrew Shaw to me again. And explain how Bowman got Leddy for Barker? And Frolik for Skille (who Tallon drafted over Kopitar)?
Can we please get over the Bowman hate already? It’s old, tired, and worthless. Tallon did great things to help the Hawks win their first Cup, and we acknowledged that in 2010. It’s now 2013. Let’s all move on.
Tab to your point about the PK, I think Saad showed a lot of promise as a member of the 3rd wave (4th if Frolik and Kruger were sent back out before him and Zus) of the PK. In a way this seems like punishment, but I think a combo of Saad and Kruger would be an effective tandem. Being the first pair probably kills some or a lot of his offense, but if that is what the team needs…
However, I like Smith in the Frolik role as well and imagine he could be effective on the PK. I expect a dip in performance for the first half of the Hawks games next year (no way they go half the season without a regulation loss) and then I think the team will start to come on. We know Q will experiment and I fully expect Toews as well as Hossa, Sharp, Keith, etc to be good leaders and know what needs to be done to bring the young players along.
wall- I haven’t seen him enough to get a solid opinion on him, but I saw enough to see that he has good enough offensive skills to be a 2C. He has a whole lot of offensive upside that should make up for the defensive gaffs that he has. Q also might be able to fix some of the defensive issues as well.
However, I did see enough off Bolland last year and looked into the numbers enough to know how bad he was between 10/88. The fact that Kane led the WC in points with Bolland on his line should speak wonders for how damn good he was.
Also have to consider Tallon had high first round picks…..something SB did not
Hey boys……..I’m just waking up from my Blackhawk “Stanley Cup” hangover and reading all of these excellent posts………..
I haven’t seen Pirri skate at Rockford at all, only in his short stint with the big club. He seems to have good hands and sees the ice pretty well. It seems that the concern is with his defensive coverage and back checking. If they put him with Sharp and Hossa, he will learn through their leadership how to back check and cover in our zone. Those 2 guys are the best at defensive coverage.
I just don’t think he is an NHL skater, yet. Just like Jimmy Hayes, he struggles with the transition from front to back and side to side. Hopefully, he is a “late bloomer” and he can overcome these shortcomings this year and be a good, solid #2 center.
I have learned to believe in Stan Bowman. Let’s see if Pirri is the right call.
I am not pounding a “hate drum” for Bowman, merely pointing out and appreciating the accomplishments of the team relative to Tallon’s contribution. As for StanJr, I believe he’s validated his Cup credentials in this ’13 team, but in the long haul he’ll be best judged for how his draft choices and trades for the future elite players pan out and his ability to keep this team in the elite category for the next decade. The good news is 19/88 are still young and have 10 years left in their tanks. But we’ll need Jr’s top picks and/or trades to make an impact and replace premium guys like Sharp and Hoss as they age out. Nice finds in quality role players like Saad and Shaw (and others developed in the system like Bickell, etc) notwithstanding, we’ll need a couple of guys from his top picks McNeill, Denault, Clendening and/or TT to be top-notch to keep the Hawks Cup competitive..
I like the idea of re-signing Emery, he’s proven as capable #2. Although CC had a great year and post-season, the Hawks are not (and should not) pay him $5m anytime soon and he’s a UFA after next season. If Emery signs for 2-3 years at $1.5 per (as reportedly possible), I’m guessing Bowman figures he’ll assign Rantaa all season to Rockford to get him acclimated, and then in ’14-15 it’s Ray and Rantaa?
Tom- agree on skating of both Pirri and Hayes… good news is that 37 is still young and can improve!
Hayes- completely agree- great hands, actually pretty fast in one direction- but awkward in transition/change of direction… because of these points- IMO- he would actually do better on 1st or 2nd lines (when we are dominating play in the O zone vs. forechecking/changing directions on D)… Is he good enough for 1st 2 lines?????
cuz- I think he will struggle in checking role… when I watched Hayes in college- his best asset was on PK w/ reach and then creating break aways for himself.
Hayes- very strong upper body- would like to see the guy build his lower half and become a PP net guy- as is he has high center of gravity. which is not good in net/traffic
Pirri seems like the obvious guy to step into a 2C role next year, and I hope it works out, but I’m just going to wait for camp. Seems like every year there is at least one guy in Rockford or juniors that seems like a good bet to make the jump (like Lelonde, Olsen, Beach, Hayes…), and someone else has a great camp and gets the call instead. We’re sure to see some cheap veteran signings from Stan yet too.
Also, regarding TT, I think he’s under contract with Jokerit for another year. I feel like I heard Stan say something recently that made me think he’s another year away from playing in the US.
I agree Tobias-aka Michigan Mo
Pirri is not going to handle the 2nd line C duties. He isn’t good enough defensively, and this is where the Hawks are going to miss Bolland the most. Glad Bolly moved on, but Pirri is doubtful to be an adequate replacement. I’ve seen to much of his game at BMO Harris to honestly say otherwise. Pirri will have to win a role on the Hawks, and I suspect Kruger is the one who graduates to the 2nd line permanently. He is very go defensively, but is the same mess as Bolland on offense and a the dot. Regardless, I think he is the guy. With Pirri vying for 4th line duty. I see Kruger and Saad teaming up as the PK guys.
Jimmy Hayes? Yeesh. Nothing about his game excites me.
Jeremy Morin? He can be a quality player in this league. He bears watching. Not going to be a star, but he can be a good plugger.
Negzz, you are one of the my favourite posters here, but looking back at Tallon, its a wash at best…he had entire drafts that were busts, and most years he had one player that developed over time to salvage a draft…in the case of Toews and Kane, they both fell into his laps…the Sharp trade was his opus…the Hossa signing (by all accounts) was at the insistence of Scotty Bowman. He picked Jack Skille over not just Kopitar, but at least 20 other guys that are now big time players in the NHL…he was flat out wrong on Kyle Beach as well, and you just can’t be with 2 “top 10″ picks…and his contracts and salary cap management led directly to 2011 and 2012.
Bowman’s drafts (and there is direct evidence that 2009 he was the architect) have been outstanding…the 2011 draft has a chance to become one of the best in NHL history…most likely the best drafting in the NHL, especially considering that we have picked from the back of the pack during those years. He did a good job trading away the important pieces from the 2010 Cup team, and has made some excellent trades as well. His FA signings have been hit and miss, but a lot of that has been signing ‘bit” players to augment the core…it is easier to miss on these guys…and we don’t win the cup this year without the Rozy signing. Plus, Ray Emery was what, 17-1 this past season and set an NHL record with consecutive wins??? No, its safe to say that Bowman is an elite GM, and has been the architect of the current Blackhawks…I honestly think that we will be a better team in 2012 than we were this year.
Again, to all the doubters, time will tell, but I have every confidence in Brandon Pirri this coming season as the 2nd line centre…he’s a great skater, he plays a fast transition game, he’s learned to deal with physical play, he’s strong on the puck, he’s an excellent passer, and has a great shot…the kid has done EVERYTHING this organization has asked of him, and will do so again, IMO.
Smith, Morin, Hayes, Stanton and Clendening are also going to impress this season…Ben Smith, if he can stay healthy, has a chance to become a core player for this team. Jeremy Morin, IMO, is going to become a true NHL power forward over the next 2 years…his last 2 years in Rockford have been eye popping in terms of his development.
As to TT…they are NOT going to push him along…when he’s ready, he’s ready…and that will likely be in 2 years…the same for McNeil, Danault, Ross and Hartman.
As JS said, its a great time to be a Hawk fan…
I think Peter is bang on with the PK synopsis…its tough to lose Frolik, but we have players than can step up…and the one guy with the amazing stop/start that Fro had is Saad…he will fill that spot for Fro…with Toews/Saad and Kruger/Smith/Hoss/Morin/Shaw, we are MORE than fine on the PK…
Our PP is the greatest candidate for improvement…Pirri, Smith, Morin, Hayes, Clendening, and even Stanton are all good PP player candidates for the Hawks.
This coming season we are likely to see the best 4 lines, top to bottom, in the history of the Chicago Blackhawks.
In reference to the 2C spot……. Stan Makita looks to be in pretty good shape still…….
Just a little levity to help us relax……
ENJOY this short off-season & worry about the details later…..
HAPPY 4TH !!!!!!