The first act in Corey Perry’s NHL career lasted 18+ seasons. His second certainly won’t last as long, but at least the veteran forward now knows there is another opportunity for him in the NHL.
Perry signed a one-year, $775,000 contract (with up to $325,000 in performance bonuses) with the Edmonton Oilers on Monday. The new deal comes two months after the Chicago Blackhawks terminated his contract Nov. 29 for “unacceptable” conduct.
The 38-year-old forward did not appeal his contract termination, instead apologizing for his unspecified actions. He referenced seeking mental health and substance abuse help at the time.
That Perry, a highly respected Stanley Cup champion, took ownership of his mistakes and issues was commendable and likely led to his quick return to the NHL.
“Over the past two months, I had really had the chance to reflect and get the help and take full responsibility for what happened in Chicago, and to try and better myself,” Perry said Monday after his first on-ice workout with Edmonton.
“From where I was two months ago to where I am today, I think it’s been a world of difference.”
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Corey Perry signs with Oilers after he was courted by several NHL teams
Outside of being released by the Blackhawks, and some unfounded rumors on social media at the time, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone in hockey who’d say a bad word about Perry. So, a second chance in the NHL always seemed likely, as long as he took care of his life off ice.
Perry said there were several teams interested in signing him. That would make sense. Many contenders likely craved Perry’s big game experience, not to mention the grit and fire he brings to postseason play.
Along with that Cup championship he won with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007, Perry appeared in three consecutive conference finals from 2020-22 with three different teams (the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning). All told, he has 124 points (53 goals, 71 assists) in 196 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
“I think we’re very fortunate to get Corey here, I know he had a lot of options … he’ll make our team better in the short term, but definitely in the long term in the playoffs,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said. “He adds that element of scoring goals and also … just being hard to play against. He gives our team a little bit more personality.”
And Perry proved earlier this season that he can still play. Ironically signed to provide veteran leadership for 18-year-old Connor Bedard, Perry had nine points (four goals, five assists) in 16 games before his release.
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Corey Perry signed with Oilers because they’re headed in ‘right direction’
Listening to Perry and Knoblauch, it sounded like the 2011 Hart Trophy winner as NHL MVP was in the driver’s seat as to where to resume his career. He selected the Oilers, who are in the middle of a franchise record 13-game winning streak and have superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge.
“When you have a six-year-old kid, and you have Connor McDavid on the team, you kind of follow the Edmonton Oilers,” Perry said with a chuckle.
“All jokes aside, this team is going in the right direction. Not just because they’ve won 13 games in a row. But you can see where they’re going and their mindset and vision they have. They want to win a Stanley Cup here.”
And Perry is starving to win another championship.
McDavid sounded completely on board with the addition of Perry, which is important considering he’s the best player in the sport.
“Just a gamer,” McDavid said. “He’s played in some of the biggest games you can play in and won those games. You can’t teach that kind of experience, can’t replicate that except with a guy that’s been there, done that. Obviously, he’s done all that.”
All involved appear unconcerned about working Perry into a lineup that’s clearly hitting on all cylinders right now. As Knoblauch said, there’s a short-term gain and more importantly a long-term one come April.
Knoblauch said the plan is to have Perry practice for a week or so before being inserted into the Oilers lineup.
That’s when the second stage of his career will begin and perhaps be the most precious of all for Corey Perry.