Many players try to end their careers by chasing one last chance at winning the Stanley Cup.
Unfortunately for those players, few come closer to their childhood dreams, only to ride off into the sunset, wondering what could’ve been. Corey Perry has become a Cup chaser in his latter years in the NHL, coming up short with the Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens, and now the Edmonton Oilers.
We all know the story by now. Since leaving the Ducks after the 2018-19 season, Perry has gone to the Stanley Cup Final four times, but hasn’t returned with the ultimate prize. Fortunately for Perry, he has a Stanley Cup championship to his name from early in his career when the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim won in 2006-07.
Now, he’s part of an Oilers team that is one win shy of reaching the Western Conference Final and is five wins away from another chance at glory.
The veteran forward sat down with Colby Armstrong of Sportsnet, who asked about Perry’s future. His son chimed in humorously for Perry, saying, “Mom said one more year.” However, if Edmonton wins it all, could this be the end for the former Hart Trophy winner?
If you’ve listened to Oilersnation Everyday this season, you’ll know I wasn’t a fan of Perry’s one-year deal. It was too high for my taste, especially considering how much extra they gave Mattias Janmark and how they missed out on Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Nevertheless, it hasn’t mattered because Perry has played exceptionally well for the Oilers, exceeding all expectations.
A 19-goal regular season — his best since 2022 with Tampa Bay — and now five goals in the playoffs is more than the organization and fans could ask for. He’s giving them reliable minutes wherever they slot him in the lineup, and also stepped up to fight numerous times in the regular season. Aside from Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, Perry is the teammates’ MVP or, perhaps, their unsung hero. Whatever you want to label him as, it’s a positive outcome.
He finished fourth on the team in scoring with 19, ahead of Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson. He played in 81 games and hasn’t left the lineup in the playoffs yet. He is also fifth in goals in the NHL playoffs with five, ahead of Mark Stone, Wyatt Johnston and Auston Matthews, while averaging less than 14 minutes of ice time.
Now, not to get ahead of the game, but if this is his last dance and the Oilers win, what a way to go out — thriving in the game when many from his generation are fading out or already in retirement. Only four players remain from his draft class, with one retiring this summer in Marc-André Fleury. Ryan Suter (St. Louis Blues) and Brent Burns (Carolina Hurricanes) are the only other skaters. It’s unbelievable the level he’s still able to play at, which could lead him to stick around for another year. Either way, you can’t be disappointed with his decision. He’s certainly changed my opinion of him.
As Jeff Marek stated on Oilersnation Everyday, “The last image the haters will see is Corey Perry lifting the Stanley Cup.” Now, wouldn’t that be nice?
