Earlier today, The Blues traded defenseman Scott Perunovich to the New York Islanders in exchange for a conditional fifth round pick. Perunovich was getting very little ice time with the Blues, and didn't seem to suit their plans going forward.
Injuries can kill any player
The story of Scott Perunovich's tenure with the Blues is quite sad. He was once a top prospect in the organization, but constant injuries always held him back from getting a firm opportunity. To be fair, the Blues did give him some ample playing time when he was healthy, and he didn't impress that much.
Perunovich is undersized compared to other NHL defenseman, and his offensive game is why he was so highly touted in college and in the Blues organization. Perunovich's lack of production and lack of availability will be looked back on as his biggest hindrances during his Blues tenure.
It took Perunovich until this season to get his first NHL goal. If you're someone who is his size and is labeled an offensive defenseman, that just can't happen. He played in 19 games in 2021-2022 and had six points. He played in 54 games last season and had just 17 assists, and in 24 games this year he had six points.
It was ultimately time to move on
The Blues clearly made their minds up with Scott Perunovich this season, and it seems last season was his last shot. You have to feel for the guy. He was once the top prospect in the Blues organization and was projected to be the next great defenseman and ultimately be the long-term partner for Colton Parayko.
The Islanders are getting a defenseman that still has a ton of potential. He's a great puck mover, and it didn't seem like he fit the system the Blues try to utilize.Blues nation will be rooting for Scott.