Free agent forward Corey Perry is now eligible to sign with an NHL team after addressing mental health and alcohol issues. The 38-year-old, who initially started well with the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring four goals and nine points in 16 games, saw his contract terminated in late November due to what the organization deemed unacceptable behavior. Although the specific details of Perry’s actions remain undisclosed to fans, the lack of legal charges suggests non-criminal behavior. While any interested team should conduct thorough research, the Calgary Flames, in particular, might find Perry’s potential comeback worth exploring if the undisclosed matter proves forgivable.
Flames in Search of Future Acquisitions
Considering Perry’s age and veteran leadership, it’s reasonable to assume he would prefer signing with a Stanley Cup contender. However, the Calgary Flames, currently outside a playoff spot with an 18-18-5 record through 41 games, may not align with his aspirations.
Nevertheless, Perry might face limited options for an NHL return. Many teams have restricted cap space and may hesitate to invest in him, given the undisclosed nature of his past actions, potentially resulting in criticism. Additionally, being past his prime and having not played a game in nearly two months could impact his market value. Perry may find himself in a position where he has to accept whatever offer comes his way, making the Flames a viable option. A one-year deal with him would be cost-effective, and the best-case scenario would involve him continuing his previous success with the Blackhawks, providing the Flames with an asset for potential retooling at the deadline.
While a Perry return may not be groundbreaking, it could yield the Flames a mid-round pick, a valuable commodity as seen with prospects like Dustin Wolf emerging from such selections. Acquiring a pick essentially for free would be a savvy move for general manager Craig Conroy.
In the worst-case scenario, Perry remains untradeable and stays with the Flames for the season. This, however, doesn’t pose a real downside, as having him in the lineup for a few extra months could be beneficial. While it might limit NHL opportunities for some prospects, it offers a chance for other young players like Connor Zary to learn from a Stanley Cup champion, Hart Trophy winner, and potential Hall-of-Famer. Despite any controversy in Chicago, Perry’s former teammates consistently speak highly of him, suggesting that his leadership could positively influence the Flames’ young talent. The knowledge he imparts might even contribute to the Flames securing their own Stanley Cup in the future.
