Should the Edmonton Oilers take a serious look at Corey Perry?
Should the Edmonton Oilers take a serious look at Corey Perry?
The Edmonton Oilers are riding an eight game winning streak going into tonight's contest against the Detroit Red Wings. They have the opportunity to tie a club record tonight with a ninth-straight victory.
Yesterday work broke that NHL commissioner has granted Corey Perry permission to play in the NHL - following his contract termination from the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this year.
I have previously written about how I believe that the Oilers organization should stay away from Perry - purely for off-ice reasons. However, we know that hasn't stopped them from acquiring polarizing players before.
Because the Oilers pursued Evander Kane, I imagine they are considering adding Perry. In light of this, let's look at the impact that Perry had on the Blackhawks before his termination.
Corey Perry's Very Decent Season
In 16 games Perry collected nine points while averaging 14:39 of ice time per game. The last time he averaged that much ice time was back in 2018-19, his final year with the Anaheim Ducks.
His 1.92 points per 60 minutes (P60) is the highest it's been since 2017-18. That season he recorded 49 points in 71 games and averaged 17:46 of ice time every game. Playing for the Blackhawks gave Perry an offensive boost. There is still some gas in the tank, at least so far as the on-ice product is concerned.
How Does Perry Match Up to Oilers Group?
If the Oilers acquire Perry, it's not to bring him into the top six group of the team. He might be able to play on a second line for a couple games here and there, but he's no longer a mainstay in the top of an NHL lineup.
The 38-year old power forward's nine points would have him tied with Sam Gagner for 12th in team scoring. That would put him ahead of Derek Ryan, Mattias Janmark, Vincent Desharnais, Brett Kulak, James Hamblin, Connor Brown, and Adam Erne - and he's played less games than all of those players.
It's tough to deny that Perry still has some game left. His Stanley Cup pedigree and sandpaper game would no doubt be helpful elements to add to the Oilers. To make room for Perry there would need to be another corresponding move. Whether that's a trade or sending someone down to the minors.
Should they make room for Perry? No. But Perry wants to win and the Oilers have been one of the top teams in the league since Perry's contract was terminated - I'm sure he would have the Oilers at the top of his list.
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