Eric Perrin

how did he do with the organization since he signed? any possibility of making the team (NHL) ...?

how did he do with the organization since he signed? any possibility of making the team (NHL) ...?

In a nutshell (more details in an official report soon):

Perrin had a really solid camp for Tampa, but the Bolts happen to very deep at center: Lecavalier, Richards, Tim Taylor, Alex Svitov, Eric Perrin, Martin Cibak. Basically one roster spot at center up for grabs between Svitov, Perrin, and Cibak. It was Svitov's spot to lose -- which he most disappointingly did. Cibak has been the last cut in camp for the Bolts for the last two previous seasons. Perrin, I think, proved in camp and exhibition that he could pull an NHL shift, and I believe he even proved that he could center a non-scoring line. Those were the big questions for him that I think were answered.

Personally, I believe the consensus was that Cibak was not head and shoulders above either Svitov or Perrin. I believe the organization wanted to give Cibak a shot. And he probably deserves it. He's been close for several years. If Cibak falters, then I think Perrin is first call-up over Svitov, as I think Tampa is going to use some tough love on Svitov in the minors to get his work ethic and passion together.

Perrin is currently on the Hershey Bears roster, so you can follow him there. He'll probably center the second line, when he plays. He's got enough pro games to qualify as an AHL vet, and AHL teams can only ice six such vets per game. Hershey has more than six vets, so Perrin will get the odd scratch from time to time.

I'm excited Cibak is getting his shot, but I'd like to see Perrin get a shot too! Takes some getting use to as a Bolt fan to see so much depth in the organization.

what about the idea of reuniting perrin and st.louis?

what about the idea of reuniting perrin and st.louis?
That was more a romanticized media idea than anything the team had in their plans. I don't see much of anyone pushing Brad or Vinny out of a job at this point.

Like X says, Perrin is likely slated for a very early callup if needed.

Makes you wonder why Hershey is scratching a potential NHL rdy second liner every other night

There has been rumours that Eric would be leaving the Tampa Bay organization if he doesn't see NHL time. These are very weak rumours (probably hopes that has turned to rumours over time) and I was wondering if you guys have heard any of these kind of rumours about Eric?

There has been rumours that Eric would be leaving the Tampa Bay organization if he doesn't see NHL time. These are very weak rumours (probably hopes that has turned to rumours over time) and I was wondering if you guys have heard any of these kind of rumours about Eric?
I haven't heard anything about him since he got sent down.

Which reminds me: Wed. night on the Bolts radio show, someone called in to complain about the lack of prospect/minor league coverage in our local media. Wonder if our locals took notice? :)

Honestly, I don't know how you can expect a lot more prospect coverage from the papers. If anything, they should've just broken down and given HF a plug because that's about the best anyone can get.

Of course, they won't do that because the TBL.com web staff fears us.

-Pete Choquette

P.S. They could always ask one of us to do a radio interview or interview us for a print article a month a la what Fischel does for the Panthers market.

-Pete Choquette

You'd be amazed at what the local inhabitants would soak up.

Honestly, I don't know how you can expect a lot more prospect coverage from the papers.

Right. But they do give occasional updates on Rays prospects in the minors, so I don't know why they wouldn't do the same for the Bolts. Seems like they used to, at least once in a while. Not any more.

Its not like we're not qualified (although that is probably the organization's stance)... we've even scooped our own scouts more than once.

-Pete Choquette

Right. But they do give occasional updates on Rays prospects in the minors, so I don't know why they wouldn't do the same for the Bolts.

Its a very small niche market. To try and capitalize on it at the local level might not be feasible economically. At the national and international level like HF does though, I think there's a large enough untapped market that a magazine focusing primarily on the developmental years between 18 and 21,22,23 when players come in to the NHL that one does have more than sufficient interest to make it economically feasible.

That's the hole in the hockey coverage: Redline and a few other publications have the draft niche market (which is where I think HF may be dropping the ball spending too much of their effort trying to compete in that niche). THN has the NHL market. No one has really aggressively tried to stake a full time claim to the developmental years. Fans want to know who their prospects are coming up and how they're doing. HF should be tailoring their content specifically to fill than niche, make a killing, and then pass on the cash money to their best looking FC American Florida based reporters :D

-Pete Choquette

Makes you wonder why Hershey is scratching a potential NHL rdy second liner every other night

He's only been scratched in the season opener (1 game in 5). And with his performance in the last few games, I think he's sealing himself as a mainstay centering Brad Larsen and Steve Moore. He's staking out a claim in Hershey.

IMO, either he or Willis are worthy NHL call-ups whenever needed.

I believe when the Bolts were horrible their was alot of coverage on the prospects, but now that the future is here less attention is being payed. DevRays have always been bad, so the future is all the baseball fans have to look forward 2.

I haven't heard anything about him since he got sent down.

Which reminds me: Wed. night on the Bolts radio show, someone called in to complain about the lack of prospect/minor league coverage in our local media. Wonder if our locals took notice? :)
Perrin is tied for our top points leader with 7. Doing very well here.

Perrin is tied for our top points leader with 7. Doing very well here.

How do you like Alexeev and Artukhin?

I just love Artukhin, guys try to hit him and just bounce off. :D But really, he has 2 points in 3 games (1g, 1a), hey if he keeps those numbers up, he can stay as long as he wants.

Nikita really hasn't shown me much yet, only 1 assist in 7 games...

I emailed Eazy-E about Reid and got a reply back saying the Trib is working on putting a bi-weekly prospects report together.

I emailed Eazy-E about Reid and got a reply back saying the Trib is working on putting a bi-weekly prospects report together.

Yeah, more press for the organization!! I have to say this is the first season I'm following our players in the minors closely and I'm really enjoying it!

There has been rumours that Eric would be leaving the Tampa Bay organization if he doesn't see NHL time. These are very weak rumours (probably hopes that has turned to rumours over time) and I was wondering if you guys have heard any of these kind of rumours about Eric?

This rumour is now getting some more fire:

http://www.jatkoaika.com/smliiga.php?ottelu=120

At the end of tonights JYP-Ässät match report there's a note that Eric Perrin would be fed up playing with the AHL team and would be heading back to JYP. The rumour was also convinced by the local radio station Radio Jyväskylä.

When asked about the rumour from JYP head coach Matti Alatalo he answered with a grin on his face:

I don't know anything about it. Our GM is also at a birthday party...

Let us think about it!

I emailed Eazy-E about Reid

The Lightning's official site had a little blurb on Darren Reid. You root for the hard working guys. Hopefully he keeps up his scoring pace.

Apparently Eric Perrin's agent has said that currently Eric is not leaving North America. However, he isn't planning to play in the AHL rest of the season and if there's no call up before the end of january he will be inform to Lightning management that he wishes to leave to Europe.
Source (http://plus.kaleva.fi/cfscripts/kiekkoks/index.cfm?m=story&id=355135&LOGGEDtunniste=0)
It's in finnish though.

Apparently Eric Perrin's agent has said that currently Eric is leaving North America. However, if he isn't planning to play in the AHL rest of the season and if there's no call up before the end of january he will be inform to Lightning management that he wishes to leave to Europe.
If this is true, then Perrin is ruining his chance at an NHL career by his lack of patience. I can't believe the Lightning promised him a roster spot when they signed him, and with the team's strong start and lack of injuries up front (coupled with Hershey's desparate need for forwards due to Avs injuries), there's no reason he should have been recalled at this point in time.

I suspect this is all the work of his agent, and if I was Eric, I'd tell him to shut up. If this is Eric's idea, then I say good riddance and go back to Finland.

That being said, Perrin has played well so far and as long as he continues to shine in Hershey, then his time will come.

Patience, Eric, patience.

Apparently Eric Perrin's agent has said that currently Eric is leaving North America.

I think you mean that currently Eric is not leaving North America.

So... what is it?

It's a huge deal if he IS leaving North America.

If he's not, it just puts an end to a silly, wishful rumor.

I think you mean that currently Eric is not leaving North America.

Yup, I was in a little hurry and "not" -word was missing. Sorry about that.

Apparently Eric Perrin's agent has said that currently Eric is not leaving North America. However, he isn't planning to play in the AHL rest of the season and if there's no call up before the end of january he will be inform to Lightning management that he wishes to leave to Europe.
Source (http://plus.kaleva.fi/cfscripts/kiekkoks/index.cfm?m=story&id=355135&LOGGEDtunniste=0)
It's in finnish though.

Feaster and the TBL organization have categorically denied that Perrin's agent has made any such demands. Furthermore, if such demands are made, the IIHF/NHL agreement forbids the player from playing in Finland unless the TBL assign him to Finland or release him. Neither are in the plans of the TBL.

Also, Hershey GM has indicated that Perrin has told him that he's "having a great time and loves it in Hershey".

Question: Where in the FEL standings is Jyp anyway?

JYP is 10th in the SM-Liiga of 13 teams.

-Pete Choquette

JYP is 10th in the SM-Liiga of 13 teams.

Hmmmmmm. Maybe these rumors are being circulated by wishful fans needing a second-coming of a savior to rescue sinking ship.

Maybe these rumors are being circulated by wishful fans

True :D

needing a second-coming of a savior to rescue sinking ship.

Not true. We got Jarkko Immonen now :yo:

(He's a Maple Leafs prospect)

Actually I really think there has been some negotiations, but if something is going to happen it's going to happen after the season and the team getting Eric is not JYP... money talks.

JYP fans need Eric Perrin to return, there's no doubt about it. Last season he was selected the JYP fan's player of the year. He is fan favourite and that's why we want him back. But to save a "sinking ship"? No. We are in 10th place out of 13 but only 6 point separate us from the leader and we have had several key players injured. We probably won't win the regular season but that doesn't matter. What matter is what will happen in the play offs.

Personally, I want only the best for Eric and that is a call up to Lightnings and in line with Marty. I know that is very hard to do but that's what I wish for. Eric has done very much work for his dream and IMO he has earned it. Then again, I would love to see Eric once again skating with the red, black and white hurricane jersey on but we will see what will happen. Eric's agent said in that story (the link I posted) that "Eric is not happy with his current situation" but I (that's me) hope that he will be happy very soon.

Eric's agent said in that story (the link I posted) that "Eric is not happy with his current situation" but I (that's me) hope that he will be happy very soon.

"Not happy with one's current situation" is much different than issuing ultimatums to an organization attempting to force a call-up or walking away.

I certainly expect Perrin to not be content playing in the AHL, and I very much think he should not be content until he reaches his goal of playing in the NHL. However, if he is going to fulfill his dream of playing in the NHL (at least with the TBL), then that will not come about by employing bullying techniques and serving up ultimatums to management. It didn't work with Sheldon Keefe, and it won't work with Eric Perrin. I half expect that sort of behavior from David Frost, but would be very surprised if the Perrin camp resorted to those kinds of tactics.

If the Finnish press (and possibly fans) are stretching the truth of his discontent with playing in the AHL to fabricating untruths about the Perrin camp saying "play me in the NHL or I'll walk" types of things, then at the very least that is irresponsible journalism and threatens to tarnish the reputation of Mr. Perrin.

Fact of the matter is that the leverage belongs to the TBL. For the next two years (club option on the 2nd year), Perrin is the property of the TBL and plays wherever he is assigned. He cannot sign a contract to play in Europe unless he is released by the TBL End of story. He can walk, but he can't play. I don't suspect or believe that is his intention anyway.

From the TBL perspective, Perrin is a valuable piece of the organization, as he represents a quality depth player for the team. Sooner or later, if he continues his level of play and is patient, he will get his shot.

Personally, I want only the best for Eric and that is a call up to Lightnings and in line with Marty. I know that is very hard to do but that's what I wish for. Eric has done very much work for his dream and IMO he has earned it. Then again, I would love to see Eric once again skating with the red, black and white hurricane jersey on but we will see what will happen. Eric's agent said in that story (the link I posted) that "Eric is not happy with his current situation" but I (that's me) hope that he will be happy very soon.

And what's best for Eric is not necessarily best for the Lightning as a team. I think you will see Eric playing in Finland long before you will see him playing on the Lightning top line with Marty. Eric would have to jump from NHL want-to-be-player to 1st liner in a matter of months. There's no way he's going to jump over Lecavalier and Richards anytime soon without there being a large number of injuries in the Lightning lineup.

Marty St. Louis is also having issues this season getting hammered by Dman on the boards with no help/retaliation from his linemates since they are all under 6 foot. Having Eric on Marty's line would only make matters worse.

And what's best for Eric is not necessarily best for the Lightning as a team.

True, but I'd like that they even tried it. Eric and Marty have a history together and with to fast and agile players could score quite a few times but we won't see what they can do together in the NHL if they don't even try that. They could do well or they could do no points at all.

Anyway, I've translated the whole article and here it is with probably few typos...

Article by Tuomas Heikkilä

Eric Perrin stuck in AHL stays in North America – for now.

Last season the center Eric Perrin charmed the fans of JYP. Lately his comeback to JYP has been rumoured quite a bit. Perrin’s Finnish agent Simo Niiranen says that “For now those rumours aren’t true. Eric isn’t satisfied for this current situation, that’s for sure. For now Eric isn’t going anywhere, not in Finland nor anywhere else in Europe. He is trying very hard to grab a roster spot in the NHL.” Niiranen also admitted that “Eric is not necessarily playing the whole season in the AHL. If it seems that he isn’t getting the roster spot in the NHL he aims for then return to Europe is possible. The deadline for Eric’s decision is of course the end of January. That is when the transfer deadline expires in Finland and Sweden.” Niiranen don’t want to speculate the possible next address for Eric. “Finland is a strong possibility if Eric decides to move to Europe”, Niiranen said.

Lightning don’t have their own affiliation

Perrin signed a 1+1 contract with the NHL team Tampa Bay Lightning last summer. He played three exhibition games as a Lightning getting three points, but still got sent to a AHL team after the training camp was over. To make things even more difficult for Eric Perrin, Tampa Bay doesn’t have their own affiliation. They put their players there where they can fit them. This early season Perrin has played with AHL team Hershey Bears, which is technically the Colorado Avalanche’s affiliation. The AHL veteran rule states that there can be only five veterans playing for each team at the time and Eric is counted for a veteran. He has been scratched once due to this rule. To be counted as a veteran you have to have played over 250 pro games. Perrin has played in ten AHL games so far and those games his points are 4+7=11
“Colorado Avalanche players comes first of course”, said Niiranen

Road blocked

Tampa bay has currently five centers in NHL team roster. Brad Richards, Vincent LeCavalier, Tim Taylor ja Martin Cibak have all been played in NHL games this season. In addition, Lightning called up their first round draft in the 2001 Aleksadr Svitoc from the AHL team Hamilton Bulldogs. Svitov played 63 NHL games last season with points 4+4=8. Perrin’s road seems to be blocked at least to Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team’s roster. It seems to me that Tampa Bay Lightning doesn’t understand what’s good for them?
“Well, I think I don’t comment anything on that although I’d like to”, Simo Niiranen said.

There are strong rumours that Eric Perrin has negotiated also with other teams in SM-liiga. I`ve also heard that at the period of the contract would also cover next season (strike by NHLPA). Please note that these are just rumours.

Strange if these rich organizations would want to sign player like Perrin when there may be real NHL Stars available. Why would Jokerit sign Perrin when they can have Selänne?

Thanks for the translation Padawan. Quite an interesting spin they're putting on this over there.

It seems to me that Tampa Bay Lightning doesn’t understand what’s good for them?
Although I personally would have liked to see Eric called up before Svitov, there are at least 3 main guys ahead of Eric on the organizational roster, it's not like he didn't know this when he signed! It's not like he entered into this with blinders on. I don't understand the undertone of Bolts bashing in that article.

If the Lightning haven't "reunited" Lecavalier and Richards on a line after 3+ years, I don't see any reason they'd be in a hurry to "reunite" St. Louis and Perrin.

Sotnos is right: Perrin knew EXACTLY what the situation in Tampa was like when he signed the contract. He may have hoped Richards would get locked in a contract stalemate, thereby giving him a chance on a scoring line, but that was a long shot.

I still wouldn't mind seeing them try him out as a winger. It might help his chances of getting to the NHL.