HE IS BACK: Corey Perry Returns to the Ice, Signs One-Year Deal with the Maple Leafs After Edmonton Stint
In what is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing comebacks of the NHL offseason, veteran forward Corey Perry is officially returning to the ice. The 39-year-old winger has signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, marking a significant shift from his most recent stint with the Edmonton Oilers during the 2023–24 NHL season.
While Perry’s name has long been associated with gritty, playoff-driven hockey, this announcement comes with a renewed sense of urgency and determination. For Toronto—a team hungry for postseason success and still searching for its first Stanley Cup since 1967—Perry’s arrival could be a crucial piece of the championship puzzle.
A Veteran Presence Reignites Hope
Corey Perry’s career is the very definition of longevity, adaptability, and playoff readiness. With over 1,300 games played in the NHL and more than 120 points in the postseason, Perry brings with him an unmatched reservoir of experience. He won the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and has since played key roles in multiple deep playoff runs, including with the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and most recently, the Edmonton Oilers.
During his brief but impactful tenure in Edmonton, Perry was signed mid-season following his release from the Chicago Blackhawks due to an off-ice incident. Many speculated that the veteran’s career was at risk, but Perry handled the adversity with professionalism and quickly found his form in Edmonton. In 38 regular season games with the Oilers, he posted 9 goals and 14 assists, along with a notable +8 rating. His leadership in the locker room and his net-front presence during the playoffs helped push the Oilers deep into