NHL trade rumors: Chicago Blackhawks shopping Brendan Perlini

BERLIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 29: Brendan Perlini of Chicago Blackhawks skates against Eisbaeren Berlin during the NHL Global Series Challenge 2019 match between Eisbaeren Berlin and Chicago Blackhawks at Mercedes-Benz Arena on September 29, 2019 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/NHLI via Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 29: Brendan Perlini of Chicago Blackhawks skates against Eisbaeren Berlin during the NHL Global Series Challenge 2019 match between Eisbaeren Berlin and Chicago Blackhawks at Mercedes-Benz Arena on September 29, 2019 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/NHLI via Getty Images)

According to the latest NHL trade rumors, Chicago Blackhawks forward Brendan Perlini is trying to find a new home and the team has put him on the trade block.

The season might be young, but there are already a ton of NHL trade rumors circulating around the league. One of the most interesting names available is Chicago Blackhawks forward Brendan Perlini.

According to Bob McKenzie, both sides are trying to find a new home for the forward. He has played in just one game so far this season and it’s clear the Blackhawks don’t have a spot for Perlini in their lineup.

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Perlini was acquired by Chicago in the Dylan Strome trade, which sent Nick Schmaltz to the Arizona Coyotes. Strome has been a huge get for the Blackhawks, but Perlini has struggled. He had 15 points in 47 games with Chicago last season.

In 200 career games, Perlini has 45 goals and 27 assists for 72 points. The former first-round pick hasn’t been able to live up to his potential as a first-round pick yet, as his career-high in games played thus far is 74.

However, Perlini has clearly proven he’s an NHL caliber player. He should be able to fit on most team’s fourth forward lines. Perlini’s cap hit is low as well, as he’s making just $874,125 this season. He will be a restricted free agent after this season.

Both the Blackhawks and Perlini seem to want a fresh start. Expect one to happen, even if the Hawks don’t get much in return for him. Assuming they trade Perlini, it will be their second “change of scenery” trade so far this season after acquiring Ian McCoshen from the Florida Panthers for Aleski Saarela.

Potential Suitors

The Ottawa Senators are reportedly looking to add some help at forward, according to Elliotte Friedman in his most recent 31 Thoughts column. Perlini is someone who they could target. He would most likely be inexpensive to acquire and the Senators could gamble on him improving his stock enough to net them a decent return at the trade deadline.

Depending on how long the Colorado Avalanche will be without Mikko Rantanen, they might be interested in adding an extra forward. Perlini would be a low-cost option for them and they certainly have the cap space to make it happen.