The potential acquisition of veteran forward Corey Perry has stirred interest among multiple NHL teams, with the Edmonton Oilers emerging as a speculated destination. ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reports that at least one team, possibly the Oilers, is thoroughly examining the possibility of signing Perry for the second half of the season. The uncertainty surrounding this prospective deal stems from Perry’s termination from the Chicago Blackhawks due to an alleged alcohol-related incident at a team function.
The Oilers’ inclination to provide players with second chances, exemplified by their past signing of Evander Kane, adds credibility to the speculation surrounding Perry. The 38-year-old veteran began the 2023–24 season with the Blackhawks, demonstrating on-ice success before the incident led to the termination of his contract. Perry took a hiatus to seek professional help and has now expressed readiness for a return.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman revealed a meeting between Perry and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, suggesting that teams might now be more open to signing him with league approval. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli highlighted substantial interest in Perry despite the off-ice controversy, indicating that multiple NHL general managers inquired about the severity of the incident and potential repercussions of signing him.
Perry’s proactive approach in consulting with Gary Bettman and the NHL reflects his effort to gauge the market and assess the potential fallout from the incident. The Oilers, known for their historical indifference to public relations concerns, may be less deterred by the off-ice incident, focusing more on Perry’s potential contribution to the team.
For the Oilers, signing Perry aligns with their history of offering redemption to players with troubled pasts, such as Craig MacTavish, Zack Kassian, and Evander Kane. While the specific details of Perry’s incident remain undisclosed, there is a belief that it might not be as severe as in past cases. If Perry proves productive and the incident is deemed a minor blip, he could be a valuable addition, potentially fitting into the Oilers’ third line.
Corey Perry can return to the NHL:https://t.co/98kiokO56J
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 10, 2024
Perry, known for offensive contributions and a reputation as a pest on the ice, could complement the Oilers’ lineup. With recent position changes for Ryan McLeod and speculation around testing Dylan Holloway at center, Perry emerges as a seasoned alternative. Given the Oilers’ cap space, largely unaffected by Perry’s recent deal with the Blackhawks, they could accommodate a pro-rated deal for the remainder of the season, likely at a league-minimum salary.
The Oilers may view the potential signing of Corey Perry as an opportunity. If pursued, signing the veteran forward could contribute to their pursuit of a Stanley Cup title, especially if internal options prove inadequate. Simultaneously, the move could offer Perry a chance at redemption, presenting the Oilers with an experienced player at a reasonable cost.
Leave a Reply