Breaking News: Corey Perry Announces Retirement at 40 After Two Iconic NHL Decades, Stanley Cup Glory, Olympic Gold, and Oilers Farewell

Corey Perry, one of the most decorated, gritty, and polarizing figures in modern hockey, has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey at the age of 40. The veteran winger, known for his clutch performances, relentless playing style, and knack for elevating his game on the sport’s biggest stages, concludes a storied NHL career that spanned more than two decades. Perry leaves the ice for the final time with a legacy etched in Stanley Cup glory, Olympic triumph, and a late-career resurgence that endeared him to fans in Edmonton and beyond.

Perry’s retirement, made public through a statement released Monday morning, marks the end of a remarkable chapter in hockey history. From his early days with the Anaheim Ducks to his final games in an Edmonton Oilers sweater, the Ontario-born forward was synonymous with competitive fire, timely scoring, and championship pedigree.

“After 20 incredible years, the time has come to step away from the game I love,” Perry shared in his farewell message. “Hockey has given me everything — lifelong friendships, unforgettable moments, and the honor of representing my country and hoisting the Stanley Cup. I’m forever grateful to every teammate, coach, fan, and organization that supported me along the way.”

The Making of “The Worm”: From London to NHL Stardom

Perry’s journey to hockey immortality began in Peterborough, Ontario, but it was during his junior hockey tenure with the London Knights of the OHL that he truly emerged as a future star. His blend of offensive skill, physical edge, and competitive nastiness earned him the nickname “The Worm” — a moniker that would follow him throughout his NHL career, reflecting both his ability to irritate opponents and his slippery knack for finding scoring opportunities.

In 2003, the Anaheim Ducks selected Perry with the 28th overall pick in the NHL Draft, a decision that would pay dividends for nearly 15 years. By 2005-06, Perry cracked the Ducks’ roster, quickly becoming an integral piece of a team on the rise.

Stanley Cup Champion and Hart Trophy Winner

The pinnacle of Perry’s early career came in 2007 when he played a vital role in the Ducks’ run to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship. At just 22 years old, Perry was part of a dynamic Anaheim core alongside Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu Selänne, and Scott Niedermayer, helping the franchise secure hockey’s ultimate prize.

Over the next decade, Perry evolved into one of the league’s premier power forwards. His 2010-11 season remains the defining statistical masterpiece of his career — 50 goals, 98 points, and the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player. That campaign solidified his reputation as an elite offensive force capable of carrying a team.

By the time his tenure with Anaheim concluded in 2019, Perry had amassed 776 points (372 goals, 404 assists) in 988 games for the Ducks, cementing himself among the franchise’s all-time greats.

Olympic Gold and International Success

Beyond his NHL accolades, Perry’s international resume further underscores his status as a big-game performer. He represented Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, contributing to Canada’s dramatic run to gold on home soil. Perry returned to the Olympic stage in 2014 in Sochi, once again helping Team Canada capture gold with a dominant, undefeated performance.

Perry is one of the select few players in the “Triple Gold Club,” having won a Stanley Cup, Olympic gold, and IIHF World Championship gold. His ability to seamlessly transition between NHL playoff battles and international tournaments showcased his adaptability, leadership, and winning mentality.

Resilient Late-Career Reinvention

While injuries and age led to his buyout from Anaheim in 2019, Perry’s career was far from over. In true veteran fashion, he reinvented himself as a depth contributor and locker room presence, joining a series of contending teams hungry for his experience and playoff prowess.

He reached the Stanley Cup Final three consecutive years with three different teams — the Dallas Stars (2020), Montreal Canadiens (2021), and Tampa Bay Lightning (2022). Though only the Lightning stint resulted in championship glory, Perry’s impact as a gritty, clutch performer remained evident.

In what would be his final NHL chapter, Perry joined the Edmonton Oilers during the 2023-24 season. Though his signing came amid controversy following his abrupt departure from the Chicago Blackhawks, Perry’s resilience and commitment to the game were on full display. In Edmonton, he became a respected veteran presence, contributing timely goals and physicality during the Oilers’ deep playoff run.

His tenure with the Oilers brought his career full circle, as Perry once again found himself competing for the Stanley Cup in Canada, inspiring both young teammates and loyal fans.

Legacy of a Gritty Winner

Corey Perry retires with an extensive list of accolades that reflects both individual brilliance and team success:

• Stanley Cup Champion (2007)

• Hart Memorial Trophy (2011)

• Rocket Richard Trophy as NHL’s Top Goal Scorer (2011)

• Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist (2010, 2014)

• IIHF World Championship Gold Medalist (2016)

• Over 1,300 NHL Games Played

• Over 400 Career NHL Goals

But beyond the numbers and trophies, Perry’s career is defined by intangibles — his relentless competitive edge, his reputation as an agitator who thrived in the chaos of playoff hockey, and his ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes were highest.

For fans and foes alike, Perry was a player impossible to ignore. His physical style, willingness to stir the pot, and uncanny ability to score in clutch moments made him a fixture in highlight reels and post-game debates. Opposing teams loathed facing him; teammates cherished having him in their corner.

Farewell to One of Hockey’s Most Polarizing Icons

As Perry steps away from the game, the hockey world reflects on the complexity of his legacy. Loved by fans in Anaheim, respected by peers across the league, and eternally frustrating to his rivals, Corey Perry embodied the polarizing beauty of NHL hockey — skilled yet scrappy, divisive yet undeniably effective.

The Oilers organization, in their statement following his retirement, praised Perry’s influence both on and off the ice.

“Corey’s competitive spirit, leadership, and commitment to winning were invaluable to our locker room,” Oilers GM Ken Holland stated. “His contributions during our playoff push exemplified why he’s been so respected for two decades.”

Teammates past and present echoed those sentiments, with Ryan Getzlaf, Perry’s longtime Anaheim linemate, sharing a heartfelt tribute on social media.

“We battled, we bled, we won — and I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything,” Getzlaf wrote. “Congrats on an incredible career, Pears.”

Life Beyond the Rink

While Perry has yet to detail his post-retirement plans, many speculate he will remain connected to the game, whether in coaching, broadcasting, or player development. His wealth of experience, championship pedigree, and sharp hockey IQ make him a natural fit for roles shaping the next generation of players.

As the curtain closes on Corey Perry’s unforgettable career, one thing remains clear: few players embodied the drama, grit, and glory of NHL hockey quite like him. Love him or hate him, Perry’s fingerprints are all over the sport’s most memorable moments of the past two decades.

And now, after more than 20 years of battles, banners, and brilliance, Corey Perry skates off into retirement — a champion, a warrior, and forever one of hockey’s most.