Veteran forward Brandon Pirri signs PTO with Rockford IceHogs

The Rockford IceHogs will have a familiar face in the lineup Friday night when they take on the Chicago Wolves. Brandon Pirri has signed a professional tryout and will return to a team where he holds the all-time record for points.

Pirri, 30, played seven games for the IceHogs last season, scoring eight goals and 10 points before joining Team Canada at the World Championships where he helped bring home the gold medal. The veteran forward has always been an elite offensive talent at the minor-league level and has also racked up 72 goals and 121 points in 276 career NHL contests.

It’s easy to wonder if Pirri would be considered for the Olympics in a few months given his recent performance for Canada on the international stage, but he hadn’t been playing anywhere to this point of the season. With the IceHogs desperate for players right now due to injuries, protocol placements and call-ups, it’s unclear if this is preparation for a bigger goal, or just helping out an old organization.