In the latest installment of “Data Diving with Dylan,” Dylan Burhans looks into new Islander Scott Perunovich to see if he can become a top-4 defensemen.
On January 27th, the Islanders announced they traded a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026 to the St. Louis Blues for defenseman Scott Perunovich. With Noah Dobson, Ryan Pulock, and Mike Reilly out with injury, Lou Lamoriello made a move to bolster the battered blueline.
The Islanders currently sit in a state of limbo–a hot streak before the Four Nations break kept their playoff hopes alive, but with pending UFA’s in Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri, there is great discourse over which direction the team should move in.
However, one thing was for certain–the defensive corps needed help. With several injuries to key defensemen, it was evident that the Islanders needed someone to fill the holes left in the lineup. Enter Scott Perunovich.
Perunovich is an intriguing pickup for the Islanders, a name that went under the radar when superstars such as Mikko Rantanen were being moved. However, Perunovich has the skill set the team desperately needs.
Here is some context.
Perunovich was drafted in the second round (45th overall) back in 2018 by the Blues after dominating the NCAA for Minnesota-Duluth. In three seasons with the Bulldogs, he put up an incredible 105 points in 115 games. Perunovich even won the Hobey Baker award as the top college hockey player for his stellar play during the 2019-2020 season (40 points in 34 games).
Scott Perunovich, acquired by NYI, is an offensive defenceman. Could never crack a proper role on the Blues (was playing under 15 minutes a night this season) but has flashed some genuine skill with the puck that suggests there may be something there. #Isles pic.twitter.com/0r9KvMMz5F
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) January 27, 2025
Scott Perunovich’s WAR at the time of the trade per @JFreshHockey
During a brief stint in the AHL, Perunovich showed he had the potential to be a top offensive defenseman for St. Louis. Across two seasons in the minors, he posted 42 points in 39 games. However, injury trouble early in his career mired his development. Despite this, Perunovich seems primed to be a breakout candidate for the Islanders.
“If Perunovich is not given the chance to properly utilize his skating and passing abilities, he is not able to help the team. It seems the Islanders recognized this…”
Let’s dive into the numbers.
Over the past couple of seasons, Perunovich has a positive Corsi and Fenwick. The general rule of thumb for a “good” Corsi and Fenwick is above 50%. Perunovich has posted a 56% (2021), 54% (2023), and 54% (current) Corsi in the NHL since making his debut. Regarding Fenwick, he has a solid 54% in all three seasons.
Breaking that down, Perunovich led St. Louis defensemen in Corsi For % with 56.11. His Fenwick For % of 53.93 ranked second for the Blues defense. The only one ahead of him was Corey Schueneman, who has only played four games. Perunovich also led the way in xGF% (59.73), Scoring Chances For % (59.93), and High-Danger Chances For % (62.50).
While Perunovich only skated in 350 minutes for St. Louis (which is seventh among Time on Ice for defensemen), these stats show he was helping maintain puck possession and generate scoring chances at an elite level for the Blues.
It is important to note that Perunovich was not deployed properly in St. Louis–in the 24 games played, he only played in 14:37 TOI / G, which is the lowest of his career. Despite the advanced stats showing he was among the best on St. Louis in terms of generating offensive opportunities, Perunovich was never really given the chance to succeed.
His total miles skated of 75.27 sits well below the league average for defensemen (103.30). This falls below the 50th percentile. Perunovich relies on his elite hockey IQ and quick agility to find open space for himself or his teammates.
Scott Perunovich’s first NHL goal
Scott Perunovich’s assist on the powerplay
If Perunovich is not given the chance to properly utilize his skating and passing abilities, he is not able to help the team. It seems the Islanders recognized this, as he has been skating on average 19:12 TOI / G. He has also been a staple next to Adam Pelech. The duo have played 93.6 minutes together across eight games. They lead Islanders defense pairings (minimum of 50 minutes played) in xGoals %, with 56.3.
Out of the 15 pairings that have played a minimum of 50 minutes together, Pelech and Perunovich’s xGoals For per 60 ranks seventh with 2.31. Their xGoals Against per 60 is second best, coming in at 1.80. This shows that Pelech and Perunovich have been a steady force for the Islanders, as they are creating offense while limiting chances against.
Outlook
When given time on ice, Perunovich is showing he can produce. He currently has three assists in nine games for the Blue and Orange. While he was a -4 against the Rangers on the 25th, the team as a whole struggled immensely.
Scott Perunovich has generally been relied upon more on Long Island than in St. Louis. He is fitting perfectly into Patrick Roy’s system, which relies on defensemen being active in transitioning the puck up the ice. His speed, mobility, and passing have been major assets for the team.
Patrick Roy called the team in after doing a few lines rushes. Was not pleased about turnovers and lack of intensity. Didn't care about how anyone felt they played last night. They lost. Read them the riot act at center ice. #Isles
— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) February 26, 2025
Head coach Patrick Roy called out the team’s lack of intensity during practice after their loss to the Rangers Feb. 25th, per Stefen Rosner
Roy will have tough decisions to make now that Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield have been activated from Injured Reserve. With Noah Dobson also returning against the Bruins, someone will have to be taken out of the lineup. Perunovich has shown he can be a strong puck-moving defenseman for the Islanders and should be given the opportunity to play.
As a RFA in the offseason, he will more than likely stay with the team–he is finally showing his true potential and at 26 years old, he can be a cost-effective second-pairing defenseman.
Overall, the acquisition for Perunovich was a low-risk high-reward type of move by Lou. If Roy can get the most out of him, he can be a legit top-4 defenseman in the NHL. With contract flexibility and a low cap hit, Perunovich can become part of the Islanders’ core.
At the cost of a future fifth-round pick, Lou has now given the team options on the blueline. For a full breakdown on what the recent blueline additions means for the team, check out the latest Roster Chronicles segment by Noah Pedrazzoli here!
Catch the latest episode of HNiNY featuring David Dwork of THN
(Stats and information courtesy of EliteProspects, MoneyPuck, Natural Stat Trick, Hockey Reference, PuckPedia, NHL.com, and NHL EDGE)
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