Oilers’ Corey Perry Reveals Career Plans Following Son’s Premature Comments.
Corey Perry has never been one to back down from the spotlight or controversy, and his career has been defined by both moments of brilliance and stretches of adversity. As one of the few players in NHL history to win a Stanley Cup, an Olympic gold medal, and a Hart Trophy, Perry’s resume stands among the elite in professional hockey. Yet as the twilight of his career looms, the veteran forward found himself at the center of a different kind of media storm—one not stirred by a game-winning goal or a post-whistle scrum, but by premature remarks made by his own son that ignited speculation about his impending retirement. Now, Perry has chosen to set the record straight, revealing his true intentions for the remainder of his storied career.
It all began innocently enough during an informal media scrum following a recent Oilers practice session. As the team prepared for a pivotal stretch in the playoffs, reporters sought insight into the mindset of a squad laced with both young stars and experienced veterans. Amid the locker room banter, an off-hand comment by Perry’s son—spoken more in jest than in judgment—quickly escalated into headline fodder. Mentioning that his father might soon be hanging up the skates for good, the comment was pounced upon by fans and journalists alike, turning a casual remark into a speculative frenzy. Social media lit up, talk radio buzzed with opinions, and hockey circles braced for what many thought was the imminent retirement of one of the sport’s most polarizing figures.
For Corey Perry, the situation was both perplexing and frustrating. Speaking to reporters days later, Perry clarified the miscommunication with a wry smile and the poise of someone who has weathered far more turbulent storms. “Look, kids say the darndest things,” he said. “I think he was just talking out of turn. He’s heard some conversations at home, but nothing is set in stone. It’s not the way I planned to make any kind of announcement, that’s for sure.” Perry’s comments, while lighthearted in tone, carried an underlying weight. The 39-year-old understands that his time in the NHL is more limited now than ever before, but he is also acutely aware that he still has something to offer—both to the Oilers and to the game he has dedicated his life to.
Indeed, Perry’s resurgence with Edmonton has defied many of the expectations that came with his arrival. Once viewed as a depth addition or a locker room leader at best, Perry has repeatedly demonstrated that he still has the instincts, physicality, and hockey IQ to make meaningful contributions. While he no longer logs the heavy minutes or racks up points at the rate he did during his prime with the Anaheim Ducks, his ability to deliver timely plays—be it a net-front screen, a crucial defensive zone clear, or even a clutch goal—remains intact. Teammates and coaches alike have lauded his work ethic and professionalism, citing him as a key reason for the team’s cohesion during high-pressure situations.
Perry himself has embraced the evolution of his role. “You have to adapt if you want to stick around,” he said during a recent interview. “I’m not the 50-goal scorer anymore, and that’s fine. I’m proud of everything I’ve done, but now it’s about helping the younger guys, being a presence on and off the ice, and doing whatever I can to push this team forward.” That self-awareness has made Perry an invaluable asset in Edmonton’s dressing room. Younger stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have praised his leadership, while coach Kris Knoblauch has emphasized how vital Perry’s experience has been in the playoffs.
Still, questions about retirement are inevitable for any player approaching 40, and Perry is no exception. The incident with his son simply accelerated a conversation that was bound to happen sooner rather than later. But rather than avoid it, Perry chose to meet the speculation head-on. “I’ve thought about it, of course I have,” he admitted. “When you’ve been in the league this long, you think about how you want to go out, what you want to leave behind. But I’m not done yet. I’ve got more to give.”
For Perry, the driving force behind his desire to continue playing is not just love of the game, but an unfulfilled goal: one more Stanley Cup. After capturing the Cup with Anaheim in 2007, Perry has come agonizingly close to repeating the feat several times in recent years. Trips to the Final with Dallas, Montreal, and Tampa Bay all ended in heartbreak, but those near-misses only strengthened his resolve. “I’ve had a taste of it, and I’ve been right there on the edge,” he said. “That hunger doesn’t go away. If anything, it burns even brighter.”
That competitive fire was evident in Perry’s offseason decision to join the Oilers—a team brimming with talent but still searching for that elusive championship piece. His arrival in Edmonton was met with skepticism by some, particularly given the circumstances of his departure from Chicago earlier in the season. But Perry approached the opportunity with humility and a fierce determination to prove that he could still be part of a contender. His efforts have paid off, with Perry carving out a defined role and endearing himself to fans who once viewed him as an antagonist.
Off the ice, Perry has also embraced the mentorship aspect of his veteran status. He frequently stays behind after practice to work with younger players, offering tips on positioning, timing, and the mental aspects of the game. “He’s been through it all,” said Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. “Having someone like him around is huge. He knows what it takes to win, and he’s always willing to share that knowledge.” Perry’s leadership has even extended to the team’s culture, helping to instill a level of accountability and professionalism that coaches say is critical for playoff success.
As for his long-term plans, Perry was careful not to make any definitive declarations. “I’m going to take it one season at a time,” he said. “I don’t want to put a timeline on it because I still love coming to the rink every day. When that changes, I’ll know it’s time.” He also acknowledged that family considerations would play a role in his eventual decision. “My wife and son have been incredibly supportive throughout my career, and I want to be there for them too. It’s about finding the right balance.”
In the meantime, Perry remains focused on the present—on helping the Oilers in their playoff push and chasing the championship that has eluded him for more than a decade. “We’ve got a special group here,” he said. “There’s a belief in this room, and I want to be a part of it for as long as I can.” Those words carry particular weight from someone who has seen both the highs and lows of professional hockey. For Perry, the game is no longer just about personal accolades or legacy. It’s about the pursuit of one final triumph, one last run at glory.
That drive, that unwavering belief in his abilities, is why Perry remains not only relevant but impactful in a league that continues to get younger and faster. While his skating may not match the speed of a McDavid or a Draisaitl, his mind remains razor-sharp, and his instincts as finely honed as ever. Whether it’s drawing a penalty in a key moment, delivering a well-timed check, or simply calming a jittery bench, Perry continues to find ways to influence the game.
The media storm caused by his son’s comment has since subsided, but it served as a reminder of the delicate balance aging athletes must strike between legacy and longevity. For Corey Perry, that balance is rooted in clarity of purpose. He knows who he is, what he brings, and what he wants. And while the clock may be ticking, the book is far from closed. “Retirement will come when it comes,” Perry said. “But right now, I’m focused on the here and now. I’m focused on winning.”
In a sport that rarely offers fairy tale endings, Perry is determined to write his own conclusion—on his own terms. Whether that ending comes this season or sometime down the road, it will not be dictated by speculation, media pressure, or even an off-hand comment from a loved one. It will be shaped by the fire that still burns in his gut, the desire to compete at the highest level, and the belief that there is still one more chapter to be written. Until then, Corey Perry skates on—not as a relic of a bygone era, but as a warrior with unfinished business.
