At 40 years old, Corey Perry chose to leave the Edmonton Oilers and begin a new chapter with the Los Angeles Kings, signing a one-year, $2 million contract this summer. Though he had found success and a sense of belonging in Edmonton, Perry’s decision reflected more than just hockey considerations; it involved family and personal ties that made the move difficult.
Speaking at the 11th annual Smilezone Celebrity Golf Tournament, Perry described leaving Edmonton as “sad and tough,” emphasizing the strong bonds he formed with teammates and the impact of his son Griffin’s local hockey involvement.
We had a good thing going there, especially with the family, my teammates, my little guy’s hockey, his hockey team, his hockey buddies. That’s hard to leave, sure, but we’re looking forward to making some new great memories in Los Angeles.
—Corey Perry, Veteran Forward
His son’s participation in one of Edmonton’s top minor hockey programs influenced the family’s connection to the city. Perry’s gritty playing style and personality had earned him respect from both fans and teammates, making his departure impactful on multiple levels.
Corey Perry’s Influence During Edmonton’s Playoff Run
Perry’s veteran presence was especially noticeable during the Stanley Cup Final, where his hockey intelligence and consistency played a vital role. Leon Draisaitl, Perry’s teammate, called him “elite” and praised his understanding of the game.
He’s one of the smartest hockey players I’ve ever seen; he’s so unique in the way he thinks and plays the game,
Draisaitl expressed confidence in Perry’s potential longevity, adding,
I honestly think he could play till he’s 50 because of his brain. We’ll see if the boots keep up there.
—Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers Forward
During the playoffs, Perry scored 10 goals in 22 games, which caught the attention of Kings general manager Ken Holland. This strong performance solidified Perry as a valuable candidate for Los Angeles, aligning with their goals of adding experienced players capable of contributing under pressure.
The Importance of Perry’s Veteran Leadership for the Kings
Perry’s journey through the NHL has included longtime service with the Anaheim Ducks, where he tallied 776 points over 988 games. Since then, he has had multiple stops in cities including Dallas, Montreal, Tampa Bay, Chicago, and Edmonton. This extensive experience brings versatility and playoff-tested leadership to the Kings roster.
Los Angeles has been a consistent playoff team in recent seasons but lacks the final push for a championship. Perry’s proven ability to deliver in critical games offers hope that his presence can help fill that gap, supporting the Kings’ ambitions for the upcoming season.
Looking Forward: What Perry’s Move Means for His Career and the Kings
Corey Perry’s transition to the Los Angeles Kings marks a pivotal moment, combining his veteran skills with the team’s drive for success. While emotional ties made leaving Edmonton challenging, the opportunity to make new memories and continue competing at a high level energizes Perry and the Kings organization alike.
As Perry embarks on this next phase, his seasoned leadership and experience in high-stakes situations are expected to play a crucial role in Los Angeles’ quest to capture the Stanley Cup and build a lasting legacy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Corey Perry apologize for?
A. Corey Perry, who used to play for the Blackhawks, said sorry on Thursday for his actions. He referred to his behavior as “inappropriate and wrong.” Perry mentioned that he is now getting help from professionals to address issues with alcohol and improve his mental health.
Q. Why did Corey Perry get released?
A. In late November, Chicago parted ways with Perry, citing breaches of his player contract and policies aimed at ensuring a professional, safe workplace. Neither Perry nor general manager Kyle Davidson offered any specifics about the events that led to this decision.
Q. Is Corey Perry a healthy scratch?
A. Perry hasn’t played in Edmonton’s last five games, but he’s likely to return on Wednesday for Game 4, taking Warren Foegele’s spot. The 39-year-old joined Edmonton mid-season, but he still hasn’t scored in this year’s 10 playoff games.
Q. Did Corey Perry and Connor Bedard’s mom?
A. This situation sparked strange rumors about Corey Perry being involved with Connor Bedard’s mother. Both NHL players firmly denied these claims.