In what could potentially be the first of many moves as the March 5 trade deadline approaches, the Florida Panthers announced today that they have acquired center Brandon Pirri from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a third-round pick in 2014 and a fifth-round pick in 2016.
A 2nd round draft pick (59th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Pirri’s move to Florida reunites him with current Panthers’ General Manager, Dale Tallon, who held the same position with Chicago when Pirri was drafted.
Pirri, 22, has tallied 11 points (6-5-11) so far this season for the Blackhawks while competing in 28 games in mostly a bottom-six role.
Prior to his rookie season with Chicago, Pirri turned heads while playing for the Rockford Icehogs (AHL) where he managed to score 75 points (22-53-75) in just 72 games played during the 2012-13 season.
In joining the Panthers, Pirri will be surrounded by a few familiar faces in the locker room as both D Dylan Olsen and F Jimmy Hayes spent some time with the young centerman while in Chicago’s system.
Pirri’s entry-level contract is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season at which time he will become a restricted free agent.
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