When Corey Perry signed a one-year deal with the Blackhawks during the offseason, it was seen as his last stop. After a long illustrious career, Perry was brought in as part of the Blackhawks bringing in veterans. They were surrounding their young superstar Connor Bedard with veterans to teach him how to play in the NHL. They thought this would help Bedard develop and make the transition less hard. Perry was so important they even made him an assistant captain.
However, things did not go the way the Blackhawks hoped as he was cut on November 29. This is due to Perry engaging in conduct that was viewed as unacceptable. Now it was never revealed what he did but rumors have stated it involved alcohol at a team event.
Now Perry was never suspended by the NHL but teams were weary about a potential punishment. This caused Perry to be out of the league for two months. However, after meeting with Commissioner Gary Bettman, it was confirmed he will not be facing punishment. This has caused several teams to be interested in his services. Here are the teams that could potentially sign Perry.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs are the current favorite to land Perry. Reports have been circulating since the news broke about Perry that the Leafs were a team to watch. Some reports have even gone as far as to say there is mutual interest between the two sides. The Leafs are currently in third place in the Atlantic five points behind the Panthers. Perry would add depth to the Leafs’ bottom six. He would bring veteran leadership as well as some offensive upside.
Perry could also take some pressure off the young forwards on the Leafs, specifically Matthew Knies. Knies had a scary incident during Wednesday practice where he fell awkwardly on his left leg. He needs help from his teammates to get off the ice. Now it looks like Knies has avoided major injury and is expected to not miss any time. However if the Leafs feel that they need to play it safe, adding someone like Perry could make the decision a lot easier for them.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are who the media is picking to sign Perry. The Oilers are in the market to upgrade their roster. Despite having two of the top five players in the league on their teams, the Oilers are clinging to a playoff spot. Everyone has been waiting for the Oilers to take the next step for years now. They have been the future dynasty of hockey for what feels like years. If they don’t prove it this season then major questions are going to be asked. That’s why they’re also a team to watch during the trade deadline.
Perry has a ton of experience when it comes to the playoffs. He was famously the player that lost three consecutive Stanley Cups with three different teams. He also was a part of the Ducks’ 2007 cup run. If there is one thing he knows is how to go on deep playoff runs. If the Oilers add him he would bring valuable postseason experience. Which is one of the most valuable things to have on a cup run.
Arizona Coyotes
Despite all the off-ice drama with where the Coyotes are going to play, the Coyotes have put together a decent season. They are in fifth place in the central division, however they are only one point behind the Oilers for the second wild card spot in the west. This comes as a surprise to many as the expectation was this team would continue to rebuild this season. This puts the Coyotes in a tough spot, do they add and make a run? Or do they stay the course and continue to look toward the future?
Perry would be a very intriguing option for the Coyotes because he’s the best of both worlds. Is he someone that’s going to put the offensive on his back, no. But he’s a decent point-getter and can give some depth and stability to the forward core. He also would cost next to nothing. This means the Coyotes can add an NHL-caliber player without giving up future assets. Thus allowing them to add without giving up on their rebuild.
Thanks for reading! Credit for me feature image goes to Mike Carlson. You can find more NHL content at Belly Up Sports and follow me on Twitter/X.
