Corey Perry Breaks His Silence: Why He Walked Away from the Edmonton Oilers

Corey Perry has never been the type to hide behind hollow platitudes. When he decided not to return to Edmonton and instead signed with the Los Angeles Kings, it stirred intense reactions—but few truly understood the layers beneath the decision. Here’s the unfiltered story behind his exit from the Oilers, based on Perry’s own reflections, insights from journalists and insiders, and the ripple effects on Edmonton.

From the outset, Perry made it clear that this wasn’t about money—but about opportunity, fit, and unfinished business. At 40, after guiding Edmonton to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances in 2024 and 2025, he said, “I want to win … hopefully it’s here and we can figure something out and get something done.” Still, when Los Angeles came calling on July 1, he chose the Kings over returning to Oil Country

Edmonton knew what they had in Perry—a gritty veteran who thrived in playoff intensity. He scored 19 goals during the regular season and added 10 more in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs With his contract up on July 1, he was clear: “It’s about winning, not money” Edmonton reportedly offered a one-year deal in the $1–2 million range, but Los Angeles ultimately outbid them, giving Perry a richer $3.5–4 million contrac

More than the figures, Perry intimated that Edmonton’s front office was intent on a youth movement. After two deep playoff runs, they wanted to retool, shifting focus onto younger forwards like Andrew Mangiapane. Perry was pushing beyond what their cap structure could support

Perry was sincere in expressing how much Edmonton meant to him. “Edmonton’s always going to have a soft spot in my heart … those fans are so passionate, especially in playoff time,” he said. Even so, he felt the inevitable sense that it was time to move on. When LA general manager Kenny Anderson reached out, their existing rapport made the decision easie

On the Ice, from the moment he arrived in January 2024—fresh off a contract termination in Chicago—Perry instantly became integral. He embodied what analysts described as the Oilers’ new identity: gritty, physical, relentless. His contributions went far beyond the scoresheet

Edmonton advocates and analysts alike noted that Perry’s absence would leave a noticeable void:

• Jim Parsons, a hockey analyst, emphasized that Perry “tilts the ice, parks in front of the net, delivers a timely hit, draws a penalty, and scores a greasy goal when no one else could.” Losing him, especially to a division rival, sting

• The Hockey Writers suggested Edmonton “stole nothing but the hearts” of fans and now could live to regret letting him walk

• ProFootballNetwork warned that losing Perry meant parting with a playoff-tested veteran who defined Edmonton’s mentality; replacing him with younger players might miss restoring that edge

Perry’s presence was marked not by gaudy stats, but by the moments—scrums, tips, agitation, and net-front battles. He played “moments,” not just minutes

Despite his competitive fire, Perry admitted it wasn’t easy to walk away from Edmonton. On the “First Up” podcast, he reflected candidly: “It was tough leaving Edmonton … we had a good thing set up there. You know, family-wise, a great group of guys. But it is a new chapter.” He believed he played some of his best hockey in years, feeling as strong in the playoffs as he had in half a decadePFSN.

Much of that was rooted in his relationship with family. His son Griffin had become a beloved presence around the team. Coming from Chicago’s turmoil and the hiatus after his Blackhawks exit, Edmonton offered stability—a sense of belonging and structure. But the Kings extended an offer that ticked financial, competitive, and personal boxes

Statistically, Perry had become unprecedented. A first-round draft pick in 2003, MVP in 2011, Olympic gold medalist in 2010 and 2014, Stanley Cup champ in 2007—and yet he’s also lost more Finals than any player in NHL history, six in total with five different franchisesen.wikipedia.org:

• Anaheim (won 2007)

• Dallas (lost 2020)

• Montreal (lost 2021)

• Tampa Bay (lost 2022)

• Edmonton (lost twice, 2024 & 2025)

That blend—determination, talent, heartbreak—made him unique. He brought boundless desire, even on a limited 12-minute nightly shift

Now, at 41, while fans wonder if he kept going for another ring, Perry maintains that the flame is still lit. Edmonton analysts point out that age wasn’t the issue; Brad Marchand signed a six-year deal recently, and Jonathan Toews returned to the NHL at 36. It was fit, timing, and resources—not lack of spirit—that changed the narrative.

Los Angeles offered a fresh stage. Perry sees it as an opportunity to keep chasing the only thing missing: another Stanley Cup. He joked that Kings fans will have to get used to “celebrating my agitating style”m The irony? After contributing to four straight Finals losses against Edmonton, he’ll soon play alongside familiar foes—changes that fuel intriguing storylines.

Corey Perry’s decision to leave Edmonton wasn’t impulsive or emotional—it was a calculated step in a long career defined by unreliable highs and near-misses. He had unfinished business on the west coast, and the Kings offered a contract aligned with his goals.
Edmonton fans will remember him not for stats but for heart: how he checked egos at the door, stood up for teammates, and embodied playoff grit. As The Hockey Writers nailed it, “the snarl is harder to find than people think.” Losing Perry, they may soon realize, cost more than a 41-year-old winger—it cost a key piece of identity

For Corey, the story continues. He’s signed, settled in, and locked on that tournament dream. For Edmonton, the task is clear: find someone who won’t just skate—they’ll scrape. Whoever fills that void will have big skates to fill, both on the ice and in the locker room.