Because the Edmonton Oilers compete in one other Stanley Cup Remaining, Corey Perry continues to play a supporting but impactful function — one he’s honed over a profession full of deep playoff runs and hard-earned respect. Final night time, Perry recorded a power-play help, two pictures on objective, two hits, and 4 penalty minutes within the Oilers’ 4–3 time beyond regulation win over the Panthers in Recreation 1. However with free company looming, the query naturally arises: Will Perry return to Edmonton for one more yr, or will one other contender snap him up?
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Perry is a type of uncommon NHL veterans who grows on you, particularly when he’s in your staff. As soon as a top-tier objective scorer, Perry has developed right into a wily, reliable presence who can slot in anyplace within the lineup. Even at this profession stage, what makes him so efficient isn’t simply expertise — it’s his intelligence. He is aware of the place to be on the ice, the best way to disrupt opponents, and the best way to complement elite expertise like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Perry brings power, grit, and savvy; as he’s proven throughout Edmonton’s playoff run, he’s nonetheless bought gasoline within the tank. If he desires to play subsequent season, there’s little doubt he’ll discover a house — he’s precisely the form of participant contenders love so as to add.
Elliotte Friedman Weighs in on Perry’s Future
In a current episode of The FAN Hockey Present, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman joined hosts Matt Marchese and Mike Futa to debate Perry’s standing and why, at 39 years previous, he should be one of many extra attention-grabbing names obtainable this offseason.
“You chatted with Corey Perry yesterday — he stated he desires to return for one more yr,” Marchese stated. “There’s no cause why he shouldn’t. He’s had a very good playoff. He’s a very good match wherever he goes as a veteran man.”
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That a lot is simple. Perry has made deep playoff runs with 4 completely different groups up to now 5 postseasons — the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and now Edmonton. And whereas his ice time has diminished, his effectiveness hasn’t.
Friedman acknowledged as a lot when he famous: “He’s nonetheless a really efficient participant. He clearly can’t play 20 minutes an evening anymore, however he’s very sensible. He joked that he lastly takes excellent care of himself, that he didn’t all the time earlier in his profession.”
Perry Nonetheless Has a Ardour for the Recreation
The dialog then turned towards Perry’s deep-rooted ardour for the sport — a trait Friedman sees as central to his ongoing relevance.
“To be nice at one thing, you should have a ardour for it and find it irresistible,” he stated. “I don’t know if I imagine anymore you could be nice at one thing with no true ardour. And simply speaking to him yesterday — you possibly can see how a lot he loves hockey and being across the recreation.”
Friedman pointed to a current instance as an instance that time. Perry’s younger son Griffin has been seen all through the Oilers’ playoff run, even becoming a member of his dad on the ice for interviews.
“He had Griffin at media day,” Friedman recalled. “You don’t do this except you need your children to grasp why you like what you do. Colby Armstrong even did a phase with Griffin, and Griffin piped up and stated, ‘Mother says another yr and that’s it.’”
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That quote could also be lighthearted. Nonetheless, it additionally speaks to Perry’s mindset. It suggests he’s not fairly prepared to hold up the skates. “I believe you’re going to have to pull him off the ice,” Friedman stated. “He desires to maintain going.”
If the Oilers Don’t Need Perry Again, Some Different NHL Group Will
The panel’s dialog agreed that if Edmonton doesn’t deliver him again — whether or not resulting from roster constraints, cap issues, or a altering staff id — Perry will nonetheless have choices. “There will probably be lots of groups poking round,” Friedman concluded. “He’ll be capable of decide and select.”
That flexibility displays not simply Perry’s previous manufacturing however his present-day worth. He might not put up 30 objectives anymore, however he nonetheless attracts penalties, will get below opponents’ pores and skin, and scores clutch objectives — all for a modest cap hit. Add his management and playoff résumé, and it’s clear why groups may line up for another shot on the Cup with him within the combine.
What’s Subsequent for Corey Perry — and the Maple Leafs?
If Perry hits the open market, anticipate a number of contenders — and possibly even the Maple Leafs — to come back calling. Toronto has proven a willingness to guess on veteran character gamers, and Perry suits the mildew: gritty, skilled, and able to tilting a playoff recreation. At 40, he wouldn’t be requested to hold the load, to deliver management and edge to the underside six.
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Normal supervisor Brad Treliving made a sensible, low-risk transfer final season by bringing in Max Pacioretty on a PTO. Whereas accidents restricted Pacioretty’s common season influence, he contributed within the playoffs, the place Perry thrives. If Pacioretty chooses to not return, Perry is perhaps the perfect candidate to step into that veteran function from day one. He is aware of the best way to elevate his recreation when it issues most. For a staff determined to push additional within the postseason, he is perhaps precisely what the Maple Leafs want.
