Breaking News: Corey Perry Officially Announces His Retirement From Professional Hockey at Age 40, Concluding a Storied NHL Career Spanning Over Two Decades With Iconic Moments
July 2, 2025 —
One of the most recognizable and accomplished players of his generation, Corey Perry, has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey at the age of 40. The announcement, made via a press release and followed by a media availability in London, Ontario, marks the end of a remarkable 20-plus year career that saw Perry rise from a junior hockey star to a Stanley Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most feared and revered competitors in the National Hockey League (NHL).A Career Built on Grit, Goals, and Glory
Corey Perry’s journey began in Peterborough, Ontario, where his natural hockey instincts were evident from an early age. He gained national attention during his junior hockey years with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he emerged as a prolific scorer and offensive leader. In his final season with the Knights in 2004–05, Perry scored 130 points in 60 games and led the team to a Memorial Cup championship. That same year, he was named the CHL Player of the Year.
Selected 28th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Perry made his NHL debut during the 2005–06 season. It didn’t take long for him to establish himself as a force. By the 2006–07 season, Perry was an integral part of a young and surging Anaheim team that captured the franchise’s first Stanley Cup. At just 22, Perry hoisted hockey’s ultimate prize alongside teammates like Ryan Getzlaf, Scott Niedermayer, and Teemu Selanne.
Peak Years and Personal Accolades
Perry’s offensive prowess came into full bloom in the early 2010s. In the 2010–11 season, he scored 50 goals and 98 points, winning the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal-scorer. His efforts were recognized with the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player, a testament to his dominance on the ice that season.
Throughout his 14-year tenure with the Ducks, Perry developed a reputation not only as an elite scorer but also as a player with a tenacious edge. His gritty, sometimes controversial playing style made him a polarizing figure—hated by opponents but beloved by teammates. Perry was never afraid to play on the edge, often mixing finesse with physicality in a way that few players could match.
Reinvention and Resilience
After being bought out by the Ducks in 2019, many speculated that Perry’s best days were behind him. But the veteran winger defied the odds, embarking on a late-career renaissance that saw him play critical roles with multiple teams. He reached the Stanley Cup Final three times in a four-year span with three different franchises: the Dallas Stars (2020), the Montreal Canadiens (2021), and the Tampa Bay Lightning (2022). Though each of those bids ended in disappointment, Perry’s leadership, experience, and playoff pedigree were undeniable assets.
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