Considering Jayden Perron to the Blackhawks at 19th Overall

This is the first of several scouting pieces looking at who the Chicago Blackhawks could take with the 19th overall pick. Today Chicago Hockey Now looks at Chicago Steel forward Jayden Perron. 

Need to Know Info

Jayden Perron
Shoots: Right
Position: Forward (RW)
Height: 5’9
The Past Season: Chicago Steel
Next Season: University of North Dakota
Scoreline  (GP: G-A-P) 61: 24-48-72

What the Blackhawks Would be Getting in 40 Words or Less

A smart winger who is not afraid to go all out on the ice. Over a point-per-game player, a tenacious skater with a high hockey IQ whose smaller stature shouldn’t be a deterrent.

How could Jayden Perron fit into Kyle Davidson’s Plan?

There are a glut of defenseman and centers in the system. Davidson will still go best player available but Perron is a scrappy, speedy, skilled and smart forward who would be a great compliment to Connor Bedard, Lukas Reichel, Frank Nazar and some of the younger core who will be counted on in Chicago.

Where do the Experts Rank Him?

• Dobber Prospects – #11
• Smaht Scouting – #15
• Elite Prospects – #29
• Central Scouting – #43
• Bob McKenzie/Craig Button – #50 (midseason)

The prominent analysts have a wide range stemming from 11-50 while interestingly, Central Scouting had him at 28 in its midterm report. Dobber and Smaht Scouting are higher on his compete. Perron was sixth in scoring in the USHL last season and was a point-per-game in six games during the playoffs. Four were goals.

The biggest attribute that many of the above agree upon are that he’s gifted offensively. Dobber Prospects writer Sebastian High admits that Perron won’t go as high as he is on the board, but believes him to be the best “off-puck offensive mover” next to Connor Bedard. Smaht Hockey’s Clare McManus sees  Perron as a “duel-threat” scorer who can go between playmaker and goal scorer seamlessly.

Perron stands out because he’s just about everywhere on the ice. He’s not afraid to finish checks. Perron zips up and down and will chase down another forward to halt a rush. Whether he has the puck or not, High and McManus are both right in the assessment of how strong his offensive instincts are. That’s the skill he would bring to Chicago if taken at 19th overall. His frame will scare teams off, and he can go anywhere from 18 to the second round.

The Blackhawks could trade down to get him if he’s still there. If he falls to the second round, they could scoop him up there as well. To some, yes, it could be a reach at 19. Ultimately it will depend on who’s still available and how they gel into the plans. But it sure seems like the lower teens/early twenties is where Perron could get a serious look.