New Addition to Nashville's Backend Providing Versatility and Consistency
The Nashville Predators have found themselves a second pair defenseman with Nick Perbix.
The 27-year-old Minnesotan is starting his fourth season in the NHL and his first for a new team. He signed a two-year $5.5 million dollar contract on the first day of free agency this past summer, and has seen some early success.
Perbix was drafted in the sixth round of the 2017 NHL draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning and spent time in college and the AHL before making his debut in the 2022-23 season.
In his three seasons with Tampa, he racked up 13 goals and 50 assists in 220 games while adding on four assists in the 13 postseason contests he played in.
In just seven games in Nashville, Perbix is playing a much increased role compared to his time as a member of the Lightning. He has seen over four minutes more time-on-ice per-game, and head coach Andrew Brunette has liked what the defenseman has done for him so far.
“He brings a lot of poise and a lot of smarts,” Brunette said following a win last night. “It’s a calming effect for our group and he’s played well all year. You trust him to go out there at the end and he’s going to make a play.”
The fourth year player has spent most of his time paired with Brady Skjei, who was also a day one free agent signing, this one from 2024. The two seem to enjoy playing together, according to Perbix.
“We were lucky enough to play together all the way through camp,” he said. “We got some time to build chemistry there. He’s just a very easy guy to play with. Super easy to make reads off of, great communicator both on the ice and when we get on the bench. He’s been doing a great job.”
Perbix has been a mainstay on the penalty kill for the Predators to start the season, a responsibility he never had before this season. Through eight games it appears to be a fit, as the team sits sixth in PK effectiveness, killing 89% of power plays.
“Chemistry,” Perbix said, explaining why the kill has been so effective. “All four guys on the ice reading off each other, trusting each other so we do the best job with that.”
“The Perbetrator” (nickname given by Ryan O’Reilly) and the Predators will look to add another win tomorrow night against the Los Angeles Kings.
-Image courtesy of Nashville Predators/John Russell