Corey Perry Opens Up Honestly About His Surprising Decision to Leave the Edmonton Oilers Despite Deep Stanley Cup Playoff Run
Veteran NHL forward Corey Perry has never been one to shy away from the spotlight or avoid the tough questions. Over the course of his storied career, which includes a Stanley Cup championship, a Hart Trophy, and multiple deep playoff runs, Perry has built a reputation as one of the game’s fiercest competitors and most seasoned voices. That’s why when news broke that he would not be returning to the Edmonton Oilers for the upcoming season, many fans were stunned — not just because of his contributions on the ice, but because of the timing. Now, Perry has finally spoken out, and his words are nothing short of brutally honest.
Perry joined the Oilers midway through the 2023–24 season after his controversial release from the Chicago Blackhawks, and despite the chaos surrounding his departure there, he quickly became a steadying force in the Edmonton locker room. On a team loaded with offensive talent, Perry brought a level of grit, playoff experience, and vocal leadership that many credited with helping to keep the team grounded during their emotional march to the Stanley Cup Final.
Yet despite all the positives that came with his short tenure in Edmonton, Perry made the decision this offseason not to re-sign with the club. For many, it seemed like a perfect fit: a veteran presence on a team that was within inches of winning it all, a chance to chase one more championship with Connor McDavid and company, and a fan base that had embraced him. But Perry revealed this week that his decision wasn’t made lightly — and that it came down to a deeper sense of personal reflection and clarity about where he is in his career and life.
“I loved my time in Edmonton. There’s no other way to say it,” Perry said in a candid interview. “The guys in that room, the energy around the team, the drive to win — it’s all real. But at this stage in my life, I had to look at more than just hockey. I had to look at the bigger picture.”
Perry, now 40, admitted that returning to the NHL last season was both physically and mentally demanding, especially after the difficult circumstances under which he left the Blackhawks. Joining Edmonton gave him a lifeline back into the league, but it also served as a wake-up call. “When I signed in Edmonton, I knew I had something to prove,” he said. “I was grateful for the opportunity, and I wanted to give them everything I had. But going through that playoff run — as incredible as it was — took a toll on me. My body, my mind, everything.”
He emphasized that his departure had nothing to do with money, minutes, or even his role on the team. According to Perry, the Oilers made it clear they wanted him back. “They were great with me. From the front office to the coaching staff to the players — they had my back the whole way,” he said. “But I had to be honest with myself. I had to ask whether I could go through another full season, another deep playoff push, and still be the player I expect myself to be. And the answer just wasn’t clear.”
That kind of honesty is rare in professional sports, where most veterans hang on until the very last moment, often at the expense of their health or legacy. But for Perry, the decision to step away — or at least take a break — was about integrity and self-awareness. He didn’t want to become a liability, a player whose presence on the roster was based on past reputation rather than current contribution.
“Look, I’ve played a long time. I’ve been through the highs and lows. I know what it takes to win in this league,” Perry explained. “And if I’m not 100% in, if I’m not ready to give everything I’ve got every single night, then I’m not doing myself or my teammates any favors.”
His comments come at a time when the Oilers are facing renewed questions about their window to win a Stanley Cup. With McDavid and Draisaitl in their prime, and after coming within one win of the ultimate prize, there’s an urgency in Edmonton that’s almost palpable. Perry’s decision to step away won’t derail that momentum, but it does underscore how fragile and fleeting championship opportunities can be.
“I know those guys are going to be right back in the mix,” Perry said. “Connor, Leon, Nuge, Hyman — that whole group is built to win. And they will win. I just came to a point where I had to admit I might not be the guy to help them do it next year.”
Perry also acknowledged the emotional complexity of his decision. “It’s tough walking away from something like that. You get so close, you feel like you’re part of something special, and then you choose not to come back. But I needed to listen to that voice inside telling me it was time to slow down.”
He has not ruled out a return to the NHL in the future. When asked if this was retirement, Perry was non-committal. “I wouldn’t say I’m done. But I’m not ready to commit to another full season right now. I need time to be with my family, to think, to recover. If the right situation comes up later, who knows? But for now, I’m taking a step back.”
For the Oilers, Perry’s departure leaves a gap in leadership and playoff savvy, but the organization has shown time and again that it’s prepared to adapt. The offseason has seen them pursue other veteran options and continue developing younger talent to round out the roster. Still, the void left by Perry’s departure isn’t just about numbers — it’s about presence.
“Corey was a huge part of our room,” one Oilers player said anonymously. “He brought an edge, a focus, a confidence that you can’t teach. We respected him a lot, and we’ll miss him. But we also respect his decision.”
Around the league, Perry’s choice has drawn admiration from fellow players and analysts who see it as a sign of maturity and perspective. In a sport where toughness is often equated with grinding through everything, Perry’s willingness to pause and reflect speaks volumes.
“He’s one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever played against,” said a former teammate. “For him to say, ‘I need to step away’ — that takes guts. That’s not weakness, that’s wisdom.”
Fans in Edmonton have been mixed in their reactions. Many are disappointed, especially given the way Perry stepped up during key playoff moments, providing crucial depth and clutch performances. But others have expressed appreciation for his honesty and his brief but meaningful impact on the team.
“Corey Perry didn’t owe us anything, but he gave us everything he had,” one fan wrote on social media. “Wish him nothing but the best.”
As for Perry, he seems at peace with his decision. “It’s hard, but it’s right,” he said. “I’ll always be grateful to Edmonton for giving me another chance to do what I love. But now it’s time to step back and see where life takes me next.”
In the end, Corey Perry’s departure from the Oilers isn’t just a roster move. It’s a reminder of the human side of professional sports — the side where aging bodies, emotional wear and tear, and the passage of time all play roles that statistics can’t measure. For Perry, the journey has been long, intense, and rewarding. And whether this is the end or simply a pause, he’s earned the right to make that call on his own terms.
The Edmonton Oilers may continue their march toward a championship, and Corey Perry may yet return to the game. But for now, both will take different paths — ones shaped by respect, realism, and the kind of honesty that’s far too rare in today’s game.
