A Look At Islanders Newest & Hobey Baker Winning Defenseman Scott Perunovich

The Islanders acquired defenseman Scott Perunovich from the Blues in exchange for a conditional 5th-round pick in the 2026 Draft.

With Noah Dobson and Ryan Pulock sidelined due to injuries, the New York Islanders' blue line has been left without two critical contributors.

No clear timeline for either player's return has been confirmed, so general manager Lou Lamoriello acquired a low-risk, high-reward player by acquiring defenseman Scott Perunovich from the St. Louis Blues.

Perunovich, 26, was drafted by the Blues in 2018 (No. 45) following a dominant freshman season for the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs.

In his third and final season with the Bulldogs, he earned the 2020 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, recognizing him as the top player in college hockey.

He then signed an entry-level contract and struggled to solidify a role in the NHL to start his professional career until breaking through permanently in 2023-24.

In 97 career NHL games, he has two goals, 27 assists, and 29 points. 

Perunovich found himself on the outside looking in for stretches of this season, most recently losing his spot on the third defensive pair to Tyler Tucker.

As a result, he has played in just two games since Dec. 20.

Perunovich is small -- just 5-foot-10 -- but possesses above-average offensive instincts and an innate playmaking ability.

Perunovich excels at quarterbacking plays and cycling puck movement in the offensive zone. While his shot is not frequently utilized, it stands out as one of his more valuable assets.

Defensively, his below-average size and strength have limited his usage, though he is far from a liability.

At even strength this season, the Blues allowed just 2.04 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA.60) with Perunovich on the ice, according to Natural Stat Trick. This was the third-best mark on the team, surpassing defensive defenseman Colton Parayko (2.5 xGA/60).

Notably, Perunovich’s 2.04 xGA/60 also outpaces all current Islanders defensemen and ranks in the 89.4th percentile among NHL defensemen.

With both Dobson and Pulock out, the Islanders will likely attempt to throw Perunovich on the second powerplay unit.

Perunovich has experience quarterbacking power plays, a role he frequently took on during his 54 games with the Blues last season, as well as during his time in the AHL and college.

However, his power-play opportunities have been limited this season following Jim Montgomery’s appointment as the Blues' head coach on Nov. 24, 2024.

While Pulock's injury has left a significant void on the Islanders’ penalty kill, Perunovich is unlikely to fill that gap. 

The Blues never deployed him as a penalty killer, even during stretches when injuries severely impacted their defensive depth.

Perunovich's play style will fit best alongside Scott Mayfield, yet Roy's history of cycling defensive pairings may lead the newest Islander to see time alongside a few different people.

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.