🎙 The Announcement: Perry Declares “I’m Not Retiring”
On June 3, 2025, during media day in Edmonton ahead of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, 40‑year‑old Corey Perry made his intentions clear:
“That’s the plan … to be back next year, yeah.” He emphatically stated he has no plans to retire following the 2024‑25 season and is targeting a full 21st NHL season in 2025‑26 .
When asked about ever seriously considering hanging up his skates, Perry dismissed the idea:
“Not really, no… It’s just not in me to think about it.” He explained that he still loves playing, the locker‑room dynamic, and competing at the highest level .
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🔥 What Motivates Him: Family, Legacy & Love of the Game
Perry’s motivation goes beyond personal ambition. He was joined at the press scrum by his seven‑year‑old son, Griffin, who he says serves as a daily inspiration. Griffin watches NHL highlights every morning and plays mini‑sticks before school—he knows every player, position, and scorer. Perry stated his biggest goal: *“This is why I’m still playing, to have him get an opportunity to feel and touch the Stanley Cup.”* .
Veteran teammates, notably Leon Draisaitl, praised Perry’s leadership. After Edmonton fell behind 3–0 in Game 4 of the Cup Final, Perry delivered a raw, honest locker‑room speech that helped spark one of the most dramatic comebacks in Final history—a 4–1 surge to win in overtime .
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📊 Career Context: A Storied 20+ Year Legacy
Drafted 28th overall in 2003 by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
Became a key part of Anaheim’s 2007 Stanley Cup championship team.
In his lone MVP season (2010‑11), he won both the Hart and Rocket Richard Trophies (50 goals) .
Since 2020, reached the Cup Final five of six seasons, with different teams: Dallas, Montreal, Tampa Bay, and now Edmonton—making it six Finals appearances overall, all with different franchises—setting several NHL historical firsts .
In the 2024‑25 regular season, Perry logged 81 games, scoring 19 goals and 11 assists (30 points). In the playoffs, he added 7 goals and 10 points in 16 games, maintaining his reputation as a clutch performer and veteran net-front specialist .
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📰 Fan Reaction & Media Response
Press outlets like Times of India called it “absolutely wild” that Perry, still showing high-level production, would continue beyond 40, and fans responded with excitement—many speculating this could finally be his year for a second Cup .
Reddit discussions echo the sentiment. As one r/NHL user summarized,
> “Corey Perry says he’s never seriously thought about retiring … he intends to play a 21st NHL season in 2025‑26.”
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🔍 What’s Next: Contract & Opportunities
With his one‑year, US $1.4 million deal with Edmonton expired, Perry becomes an unrestricted free agent. While he hopes to re‑sign in Edmonton, cap constraints may open doors elsewhere. Regardless, his playoff pedigree, leadership, and physical style make him an appealing veteran target for contenders seeking depth and experience .
Some speculation suggests he may command $3.5 million on the open market, especially if he signs with a team like the Los Angeles Kings—who reportedly inked him to that figure on July 1, 2025, though that is documented in Wikipedia and may need further confirmation .
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🧠 Why This Matters: The Perry Effect at Age 40
1. Longevity and relevance: Not many NHLers sustain production into their 40s. Perry’s ability to adapt his game—shifting to net-front, power-play specialist duties, and locker-room inspiration—is rare and invaluable.
2. Playoff performance: His 10-point postseason and key goals underscore that he’s still delivering when it counts.
3. Historical significance: Perry is the first player to reach the Stanley Cup Final with six different franchises, and to lose with four teams—yet persist and stay competitive .
4. Mentorship and leadership: The impact on younger players—giving speeches, modeling professionalism, helping guide high-profile talent like McDavid and Draisaitl—is intangible but powerful.
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✅ In Summary
Corey Perry, now 40 years old, has officially confirmed he will not retire after the 2024‑25 season.
He intends to suit up again for the 2025‑26 NHL season, marking his 21st year in the League .
His decision is fueled by love for the game, team camaraderie, and most especially sharing the journey with his son Griffin, who inspires him to chase another Stanley Cup 🏒.
Perry remains a key postseason performer and respected veteran voice—his leadership earned headlines during Game 4 of the Cup Final when he helped rally the Oilers from a 3–0 deficit .
Though his contract with Edmonton has expired, Perry’s free-agent market looks promising—with cap space, veteran demand, and playoff ambitions making him a hotly discussed asset.
Let me know if you’d like comparisons to other veteran players, deeper stats, or follow-up on contract developments as the offseason unfolds!