It is nearly impossible to argue that, after the 2024-25 regular season and playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers should not re-sign Corey Perry.
The forty-year-old Perry played all but one regular season game and registered nineteen goals and thirty points. Then, for good measure, he added 10-4-14 in 22 post-season matches. That is good production for a guy five years younger let alone this ageless wonder. At his very highest level this past season, Perry was a top six winger and a first unit power play guy. Yes, he spent some time in the bottom six as well but he was impactful most nights, no matter where he lined up.
It is clear Corey Perry still possesses most or all the hockey IQ and guile that once made him an elite NHL player, Hart Trophy winner and Stanley Cup Champion. He can still hold his own plus some, physically against much younger men. And while he is indeed slow of foot, that particular shortcoming all but disappears from the top of the circles in. He still has hands and vision, especially down low and around the proverbial blue paint.
And then there is leadership. It was abundantly clear that the leadership group, guys like Leon Draisaitl, value Perry’s presence highly. Some people like to dismiss “good in the room.” I happen to think it matters, especially if you can still play…which Perry can.
So, yes…I think the Oilers should absolutely entertain bringing back the pending UFA. While the Oilers do indeed need to get younger and faster, there can still be some room on the roster for a guy who brings a unique set of skills to the table. But let’s be abundantly clear:
There is risk. Lots of it.
Lets start with his age. Only twenty-two players in National Hockey League history have scored nineteen or more goals at age forty or older. That says two things to me: On one hand, how impressive Corey Perry’s season was. And two, just how likely it is that he is going to regress in a significant way. Think of the odds alone.
And very much related: When you are Perry’s age, the chance of injury is multiplied. It happens to a player easier, is often more serious, and usually takes even longer to recover from. And when you are trying to win a Stanley Cup, that is a problem waiting to happen.
So yes, the risk is real and its spectacular. But it is even more acute when you consider just how tight to the cap the Oilers will likely be.
On Oilers Now! with Bob Stauffer on Tuesday, former NHL GM and player agent Brian Lawton commented on the possibility of Perry returning, and the chatter that it could cost the club well north of $2m on a one-year deal. Perry made $1.15 last season. Here is what Lawton said:
“I love Corey Perry personally, but I do not believe they can go to that level. They may be able to do it through bonuses or disguise it, but on a straight AAV for managing their cap the reality is, even though we’re going up to $95.5m, it’s still not enough where you can be sloppy anywhere in your efficiency on your roster”.
As Smokey Robinson sang, “I second that emotion.”
Corey Perry can play on my team all day long and twice on Sundays. I have a boatload of admiration for what he accomplished last year and what he meant to the team. I still think he can contribute.
And so, I mean absolutely no disrespect to him whatsoever when I say…
…you cannot overpay him.
We shall see.
Now on Bluesky @kurtleavins.bsky.social. Also, find me on Threads @kleavins, Twitter @KurtLeavins, Instagram at LeavinsOnHockey, and Mastodon at KurtLeavins@mstdn.social.
This article is not AI generated.
Recently, at The Cult…
STAPLES: Predatory – the pending risk of an offer sheet for Evan Bouchard
LEAVINS: The Oilers and Trent Frederic ready to go steady
Bruce McCurdy, 1955-2025.
Don’t miss the news you need to know — add EdmontonJournal.com and EdmontonSun.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.