TORONTO — Even though Nick Perbix entered training camp on the short list of rookies who could crack the Lightning lineup, the growth the 24-year-old has shown in his first two months as an NHL defenseman is pretty extraordinary.
Just 24 games into his career, Perbix has earned playing time for being trustworthy with the puck, making the right pass and being responsible in the defensive end. His ice time gradually has increased, he’s now teamed with Victor Hedman on the top defense pair, he’s become more involved offensively, and he even saw his first power-play assignments this past week with Mikhail Sergachev sidelined by a hand injury.
“He’s cemented himself in our lineup, and that’s to his credit,” Hedman said. “He’s been playing some really good hockey, and he just gets more and more confident each day. You can tell he’s ready to take on a bigger role. He’s not overthinking it out there. And he’s calm with the puck and makes the right plays, and he’s just going to get calmer and calmer and more comfortable in his play. He’s got some really good tools, and he’s using them.”
