Corey Perry Eyes Second Stanley Cup as Oilers Pursue Championship

EDMONTON, Alberta — Corey Perry, a veteran forward for the Edmonton Oilers, confirmed he intends to return for a 21st NHL season during the Stanley Cup Final media day on Tuesday. The announcement comes just ahead of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, which takes place at Rogers Place at 8 p.m. ET.

Perry, 40, signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Oilers on July 1, 2024. This season, he has delivered notable postseason performance, recording 10 points — including seven goals — in 16 playoff games. During the regular season, he contributed 30 points with 11 goals in 81 games.

This will be Perry’s sixth appearance in the Stanley Cup Final over his career, with his previous five seasons comprising his time with the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, and Tampa Bay Lightning. He won his first championship with the Ducks in 2007. Last season, he was part of the Oilers team that finished as runners-up after a narrow 2-1 loss to Florida in Game 7.

Perry is now one of only 17 players to compete in the Cup Final at least six times since the NHL adopted a 16-team playoff format in 2012. He has amassed 137 points across 231 playoff games, boosting his already impressive legacy.

When asked about retirement, Perry dismissed any thoughts of hanging up his skates, saying, “Not really, no,” and expressing love for the game and his teammates. “I don’t think that’s going to come to my head anytime soon.”

Perry also emphasized his desire to keep playing for his 7-year-old son, Griffin, who eagerly participates in Perry’s NHL life. “This is why I’m still playing, too, is to have him have an opportunity to touch the Stanley Cup,” Perry said during the media session, where Griffin made a surprise appearance, dressed sharply in a blue suit.

As Perry and the Oilers prepare for the challenge ahead, they remain focused on capturing the long-awaited Stanley Cup title, a milestone that could also mark Perry’s second championship win.