Corey Perry, at 40 years old, has no plans to retire just yet. The veteran forward for the Edmonton Oilers expressed his enthusiasm for the game and his current playoff run ahead of the Stanley Cup Final. “It’s just not in me to think about (retirement),” Perry stated during a media session in Edmonton. “I love playing, I love being around the room… It’s just who I am.”
Perry is poised to make his sixth appearance in the Stanley Cup Final, as the Oilers prepare to face off against the Florida Panthers for the coveted trophy. This season, he has contributed significantly, scoring 19 goals and tallying 30 points in 81 regular-season games, along with seven goals and 10 points in 16 playoff contests leading up to the Final.
He is among a select few players remaining from the highly regarded 2003 NHL Draft class, now reduced to just two active players following Marc-Andre Fleury’s retirement. Perry, who was drafted 28th overall by the Anaheim Ducks, enjoyed a successful career that includes a Stanley Cup victory in 2007, the Hart Trophy in 2011, and two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014. Over his impressive 20-year career, Perry has played in 1,392 games, amassing 448 goals and 935 points.
Despite bouncing around the league in recent years and reaching the Stanley Cup Final with different teams, including the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, and Tampa Bay Lightning, Perry remains focused on this year’s championship chase with the Oilers. However, he will enter unrestricted free agency this summer, leaving his future uncertain.
With Perry’s passion for the game and his playoff prowess, there is a sense of excitement surrounding his contributions as the final approaches. His determination to continue playing at a high level serves as an inspiration to younger players and fans alike.