JUST NOW: Perry the GOAT Deserves to Stay an Oiler and Finish the Work in Oil Country — Let’s Sign Him for 1 or 2 More Seasons
JUST NOW: Perry the GOAT Deserves to Stay an Oiler and Finish the Work in Oil Country — Let’s Sign Him for 1 or 2 More Seasons
In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, very few players command respect, admiration, and unwavering fan loyalty quite like Corey Perry. At 39, Perry continues to defy expectations, delivering a unique blend of leadership, grit, and playoff prowess that teams desperately seek but rarely find. After joining the Edmonton Oilers during a critical stretch of the 2023-24 NHL season, Perry brought an intensity and edge to the roster that proved invaluable. Now, as his short-term contract expires, Oilers Nation faces a critical question: Should Corey Perry be re-signed?
The answer is a resounding yes.
A Veteran Presence Like No Other
Corey Perry isn’t just another seasoned veteran. He is a battle-tested warrior who has been to the Stanley Cup Final with four different teams (Ducks, Stars, Canadiens, and Lightning). His championship pedigree, built on his 2007 Cup win with the Anaheim Ducks and years of deep playoff runs, adds a championship mentality to any locker room he enters. When he joined the Oilers, it wasn’t simply to fill a depth role — it was to inspire a team teetering on the edge of greatness.
What Perry brings goes far beyond the stat sheet. He offers leadership in high-pressure situations, unmatched mental toughness, and the kind of locker room stability that helps unite a team through the chaos of an 82-game grind and intense playoff battles.
Playoff Performer, Always
Throughout the 2023-24 postseason, Corey Perry reminded the hockey world why he’s still one of the most feared competitors in playoff hockey. Whether it was drawing penalties, agitating opponents, or scoring clutch goals, Perry did what he’s always done best — perform when it matters most.
The Oilers’ push toward a Stanley Cup Final appearance was significantly influenced by Perry’s veteran savvy. His ability to read the game, disrupt opposing top lines, and create momentum-changing plays gave Edmonton an edge that only few possess. He plays with an edge, dances on the line of legality (sometimes crossing it), but always with purpose. That kind of player is essential in playoff hockey — and you don’t replace that overnight.
A Culture Driver
The Oilers, led by superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have often been criticized for lacking the necessary grit and playoff maturity to get over the hump. Corey Perry’s arrival injected a new level of focus and intensity into the group. He’s the kind of guy who will bark on the bench, challenge his teammates to elevate their games, and be the voice that keeps things grounded when the stakes are highest.
Perry’s presence also helps insulate younger players, giving them room to grow without being immediately thrust into high-pressure situations. He sets an example in both his preparation and fearlessness, creating a cultural ripple effect that raises everyone’s floor.
Affordable, Practical, and Strategic
From a financial standpoint, re-signing Perry would be both affordable and strategic. A one-year or two-year deal with a modest cap hit would be a low-risk, high-reward move. Unlike many high-profile veterans chasing big contracts, Perry understands his role and is not looking to break the bank. He wants to win. That makes him the perfect puzzle piece for a cap-conscious contender like Edmonton.
Additionally, his flexibility — being able to play in the top six if needed or anchor a bottom line with critical defensive assignments — adds value across all situations. Few players of his age bring that kind of tactical versatility.
The Job Isn’t Finished
Perhaps most importantly, Perry’s work in Oil Country feels incomplete. After helping take the Oilers to the brink of championship glory, there’s a shared sense among fans, players, and Perry himself that there is still unfinished business. Edmonton has built a legitimate contender, and Perry has shown he can be a critical part of that formula.
Why not run it back with someone who knows exactly what it takes to win it all?
Fans Want Him. Teammates Respect Him.
Across social media and Oilers fan forums, there’s a growing movement echoing one message loud and clear: Keep Perry in Edmonton. The respect he commands from teammates like McDavid and Zach Hyman is apparent. His antics on the ice may polarize opposing fans, but within the Oilers community, he has become a cult hero — the kind of player you hate to play against but love to have on your side.
Final Thoughts
In today’s NHL, success isn’t just built on talent. It’s built on character, cohesion, and battle-tested leadership. Corey Perry offers all that and more. His time with the Oilers, though brief, has proven his value beyond question.
Whether it’s on the third line, power play, penalty kill, or in the locker room, Perry is an asset that Edmonton cannot afford to let walk away. One or two more seasons of Perry isn’t about sentiment — it’s about smart hockey. The Oilers are on the verge of something special, and Perry’s presence could be the catalyst that finally brings a Cup back to Edmonton.
Let’s get it done. Sign the GOAT. Keep Perry in Oil Country.