Corey Perry, the battle-hardened veteran of 20 NHL seasons, has unequivocally stated his desire to remain with the Edmonton Oilers for the foreseeable future, emphasizing that he’s had a “great time” in the Alberta capital. This sentiment, expressed during the Oilers’ deep playoff run that saw them reach the Stanley Cup Final for a second consecutive year, speaks volumes about the impact the organization, the city, and the team’s culture have had on the grizzled winger. For a player who has seen it all, including a Stanley Cup championship, multiple Final appearances with different teams, and the individual glory of a Hart Trophy, Perry’s contentment in Edmonton is a powerful endorsement.
Perry, who turned 40 in May 2025, signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Oilers on July 1, 2024, for the 2024-25 season. This deal came after he initially joined the team midway through the 2023-24 campaign, following the termination of his contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. His immediate re-signing last summer demonstrated a mutual understanding and desire to continue what began as a short-term, impactful stint. Now, as he approaches unrestricted free agency again on July 1, 2025, Perry’s public comments signal his clear preference to extend his stay in Edmonton.
“That’s the plan is to be back next year, yeah,” Perry stated during the Stanley Cup Final media day, confirming his intention to play a 21st NHL season. He further elaborated on his enjoyment of his time with the Oilers, noting the passion of the fanbase and the competitive spirit within the locker room. For Perry, who has consistently chased the Stanley Cup in the twilight of his career, the opportunity to play for a legitimate contender, alongside superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, is a significant draw.
While his statistics might not jump off the page – he recorded 30 points (19 goals, 11 assists) in 81 regular-season games in 2024-25 and added 14 points (10 goals, 4 assists) in 22 playoff games – Corey Perry’s impact transcends pure point production. His value to the Edmonton Oilers is multifaceted:
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Veteran Leadership and Experience: Perry is one of the most experienced players in the entire NHL, with over 1,390 regular-season games and 230 playoff games under his belt. He has played in six Stanley Cup Finals, winning one with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. This vast experience is invaluable to a team like the Oilers, whose core, while incredibly talented, has relatively less deep playoff experience. Perry understands the ebb and flow of a long playoff run, the pressure, and what it takes to succeed when the stakes are highest. His calm demeanor and ability to steady the ship in tense moments are crucial.
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Locker Room Presence: Perry is known as a strong locker room voice. He’s not afraid to speak up when needed, as evidenced by the reportedly fiery and honest speech he delivered during the first intermission of Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. The Oilers were down 3-0 to the Florida Panthers in that game, and Perry’s words are widely credited with sparking a historic comeback that allowed Edmonton to win in overtime and ultimately push the series further. This ability to motivate and hold teammates accountable, even superstars, is a rare and valuable commodity.
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Physicality and Net-Front Presence: Despite his age, Perry remains a highly effective net-front presence on the power play and at even strength. He possesses an uncanny ability to screen goaltenders, deflect pucks, and pounce on loose pucks in high-traffic areas. His physicality and willingness to engage in battles along the boards and in front of the net wear down opponents, particularly in the playoffs. He relishes the gritty aspects of the game, making him a perfect fit for playoff hockey.
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Penalty Draw Specialist: Perry has a knack for drawing penalties, using his cunning and physicality to bait opponents into infractions. This is especially important for the Oilers, who boast one of the league’s most potent power plays with McDavid, Draisaitl, and Bouchard.
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“Rat” Factor: Love him or hate him, Corey Perry is a master agitator. He gets under opponents’ skin, distracting them and forcing them to react emotionally. This “rat” factor can frustrate opposing teams, drawing them into penalties or ill-advised plays, all while Perry remains cool under pressure.
Perry’s stated desire to remain in Edmonton is not merely a formality; it’s a reflection of a genuinely positive experience.
- Championship Aspirations: The Oilers are a bona fide Stanley Cup contender. For a player nearing the end of his career, the chance to chase another championship is paramount. Edmonton offers him that legitimate opportunity year after year with its superstar core.
- Role and Impact: Unlike some previous stops where his role might have been more diminished, Perry has found a clear and impactful role with the Oilers. He consistently played bottom-six minutes in the regular season (averaging just under 12 minutes per night in 2024-25) but saw increased ice time and responsibility in the playoffs, often contributing on the power play. He is valued for more than just his points; his leadership and intangible contributions are recognized and celebrated.
- Locker Room Synergy: Perry has clearly integrated well with the Oilers’ locker room. His veteran presence appears to be respected, and he fits into the team’s culture of hard work and fierce competitiveness.
- Fan Support: The passion of the Oilers’ fanbase is legendary. Playing in a true hockey market where the team is adored undoubtedly adds to a player’s experience, especially for someone like Perry who thrives on emotion and energy.
Corey Perry will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025. Given his performance, his stated desire to remain, and the Oilers’ need for his specific contributions, a new contract seems highly probable.
- Term: Given his age (40), it is almost certainly going to be another one-year deal. Multi-year contracts for players of his age and role are rare.
- Value: His previous contract was for $1.4 million. While he had a strong playoff run, his regular-season output and age likely mean he’ll sign for a similar, cap-friendly value, likely in the $1 million to $1.5 million range. This fits perfectly with the Oilers’ salary cap situation, as they need to manage cap space carefully around the massive contracts of McDavid, Draisaitl, and the upcoming extension for Evan Bouchard.
- Timing: Expect negotiations to begin shortly after the dust settles on the offseason, potentially even right at the opening of free agency. The mutual interest suggests a relatively smooth process.
In conclusion, Corey Perry’s expressed desire to continue his career with the Edmonton Oilers is a testament to the positive environment he’s found. For a player in the twilight of an extraordinary career, Edmonton offers not just a chance to play, but a chance to truly contend for the Stanley Cup in a role where his unique blend of skill, physicality, and veteran leadership is highly valued. His presence strengthens the Oilers both on and off the ice, making a continued partnership a logical and beneficial outcome for both parties for the foreseeable future.
