Emily Kaplan of ESPN has shared that several NHL teams are investigating the option of adding seasoned forward Corey Perry to their rosters for the latter part of the season. The likelihood of the deal coming to fruition is uncertain at this point, but there is considerable interest, and at least one team is diligently examining any potential off-ice incidents, going beyond Perry’s widely reported alcohol-related incident in Chicago. Could the Edmonton Oilers be the team in question?
Corey Perry can return to the NHL:https://t.co/98kiokO56J
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 10, 2024
The Oilers have emerged as a possible destination for Corey Perry, speculatively based on their track record of providing players with second chances, as seen in the case of Evander Kane. Perry, a 38-year-old veteran, began the 2023-24 season with the Chicago Blackhawks, enjoying success on the ice. However, an alleged alcohol-related incident at a team function resulted in his termination from the Blackhawks, leading him to seek professional help during his time away from the game. Now, indications suggest that he is prepared to make a comeback.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported a meeting between Perry and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, signaling a potential shift in teams’ willingness to sign him with the league’s approval. Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff emphasized the considerable interest in Perry, despite the off-ice incident. He reports:
“I can tell you this: three NHL GMs had called me the week he was suspended from the Blackhawks when all of this was hanging in the balance. The question to me was: ‘What happened? What do you know? How bad was it?’ and then the next thing was, ‘What do you think the blowback would be like if we signed this guy?’
Perry’s decision to engage with Gary Bettman and the NHL was also a strategic move to survey the market and evaluate potential repercussions. If they perceive the prior incident as manageable, the Oilers, historically, have shown a limited concern for public relations, or at least that’s the impression given their track record.
Could Corey Perry be a Suitable Addition to the Surging Oilers?
For the Oilers, bringing in Perry would align with their track record of giving players with a troubled history a chance at redemption. Notable examples include Craig MacTavish, Zack Kassian, and Evander Kane, who were all afforded opportunities for career comebacks. While the details of Perry’s situation remain undisclosed, there’s a belief that his actions may not be as severe as past cases the team has dealt with. If Perry proves to be a productive asset and the incident is deemed minor, he could seamlessly fit into the team.
Known for his offensive prowess and on-ice agitator role, Perry might find a suitable place on the Oilers’ third line. With recent lineup adjustments, such as moving Ryan McLeod to the wing and experimenting with Dylan Holloway at center, Perry could offer a more experienced alternative. Boasting a history of valuable contributions, including three appearances in the last four Stanley Cup Finals, Perry brings a wealth of experience.
Crucially, acquiring Perry would likely be a cost-effective move for the Oilers, aligning with their financial prudence. Given Perry’s recent contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, the Oilers have the cap flexibility to negotiate a pro-rated deal for the remainder of the season, potentially at a league-minimum salary.
For the Oilers, bringing in Corey Perry could be seen as an opportunistic move. If pursued, the veteran forward could contribute to the team’s pursuit of a Stanley Cup title, especially if internal options fall short. Simultaneously, it provides Perry with a chance at redemption while offering the Oilers a seasoned player at a reasonable cost.
