“Edmonton Feels Like Home”: Corey Perry’s ‘Top Priority’ Is to Re-Sign with Oilers After Embracing Team, City, and Chance to Chase One More Cup
Corey Perry has worn many jerseys, played for multiple franchises, and experienced nearly everything the NHL has to offer in a career that spans almost two decades. But at this particular juncture, after a whirlwind 2024–25 season that ended just one win shy of a Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers, it seems the 39-year-old veteran has found a new kind of hockey home—and he’s in no hurry to leave it behind. According to reports, Perry’s top priority heading into the offseason is to remain with the Oilers, a franchise that welcomed him in midseason and quickly became the backdrop to one of the most compelling late-career runs in recent memory. For a player who was nearly out of the league less than a year ago, Perry’s renaissance in Edmonton is more than just a hockey story—it’s one of resilience, redemption, and revived purpose.
The 2024–25 season was hardly ordinary for Corey Perry. After parting ways with the Chicago Blackhawks earlier in the season under controversial circumstances, many wondered whether his NHL days were over. His departure from Chicago was abrupt and clouded by off-ice matters that sparked widespread speculation and tabloid scrutiny. For a moment, it seemed that the chapter might close not on Perry’s own terms, but amid whispers and unfinished business. However, the Edmonton Oilers, a team with Stanley Cup ambitions and a need for playoff-hardened grit, saw something in Perry that others overlooked—a player with championship DNA, a fierce competitor who still had gas left in the tank, and a voice that could add value to a locker room led by generational talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
When Perry signed with Edmonton in January, many believed it was a depth move, a low-risk insurance policy for a team aiming to bolster its bottom six. But Perry didn’t just blend in—he made himself indispensable. His presence was instantly felt in the dressing room, where his experience and leadership became crucial during the season’s toughest stretches. On the ice, Perry’s physical style, savvy positioning, and knack for timely goals added another dimension to an Oilers squad already bursting with firepower. He might not have filled the stat sheet like he once did in his prime, but his impact transcended numbers. He was the kind of player who made opponents uncomfortable, who stirred chaos in the crease, who killed penalties with precision, and who always seemed to make the right play at the right moment.
More importantly, Perry seemed to relish the role he found in Edmonton. From the outset, he embraced his position as a complementary veteran surrounded by young stars. He spoke glowingly of McDavid’s tireless work ethic, Draisaitl’s cerebral playmaking, and the hunger that fueled the Oilers’ entire roster. It was a perfect match: a player seeking one last ride at the top, and a team desperate to break through the final barrier. Together, they came achingly close, pushing the Florida Panthers to a thrilling seven-game Stanley Cup Final that ended in heartbreak for Edmonton—but not without pride and growth.
Now, as the offseason unfolds and decisions loom for general manager Ken Holland, Corey Perry has made his intentions clear. He wants to stay. He wants to run it back with the Oilers, to be part of the group that finally brings the Stanley Cup back to Alberta for the first time since 1990. According to those close to the situation, Perry has expressed a deep appreciation for the city, the organization, and the opportunity he’s been given. “He’s loved it in Edmonton,” one source shared. “It’s not just about the hockey—it’s the atmosphere, the support, the chance to be part of something special. He’s fully invested.”
It’s hard to overstate how rare it is for a player of Perry’s stature to so seamlessly fit into a team midseason, especially at his age and after such a turbulent exit from his previous club. But Edmonton wasn’t just another pit stop—it became a stage for revival. Fans quickly warmed to Perry, chanting his name during the playoffs and praising his warrior mentality. He became something of a cult hero among the Oilers faithful, who admired both his grit and his willingness to stand up for teammates. Whether it was throwing a key check, drawing a penalty, or sneaking behind the defense for a net-front tip-in, Perry seemed to always find a way to contribute.
From a management perspective, keeping Perry makes sense on multiple levels. The Oilers are expected to contend again in 2025–26, with their core firmly intact and the bitter taste of falling short still lingering. Players like Perry, who have walked the Cup Final tightrope multiple times, provide invaluable perspective and poise. He’s been to the Stanley Cup Final five times—with Anaheim, Dallas, Montreal, Tampa Bay, and now Edmonton. That kind of playoff mileage is unmatched, and in the crucible of postseason hockey, experience matters. He’s a voice players listen to in tense moments, a steadying force when emotions run high.
Financially, a new contract would likely be short-term and team-friendly. Perry is not chasing big paydays at this point in his career—he’s chasing rings. He knows his value lies in what he brings off the puck, in the little plays that don’t always make highlight reels but win games. For Edmonton, re-signing him would mean retaining a critical veteran presence without jeopardizing future cap flexibility. It also sends a strong message to the locker room: this team values warriors, competitors, and those who bleed for the crest.
Of course, nothing in the NHL offseason is guaranteed. Cap constraints, roster moves, and unexpected developments can shift priorities in a flash. The Oilers have other decisions to make regarding free agents, internal extensions, and depth chart considerations. But Perry’s case feels unique—his impact went beyond a stat line, and his commitment to the cause was unmistakable. In a league increasingly dominated by youth and speed, Perry proved that there’s still room for experience, edge, and sheer will.
His story also resonates with fans on a human level. This wasn’t a fairy-tale redemption arc written in some front office marketing plan—it was a genuine, gritty, and at times improbable return to relevance. At 39, Perry didn’t fade away or coast quietly toward retirement. He jumped into the fire, battled every night, and nearly helped write the final chapter of Edmonton’s long-awaited comeback. For a team that hadn’t reached the Stanley Cup Final since 2006, his influence was both timely and transformative.
As summer rolls on and the league begins its annual offseason chess match, the question of Perry’s future in Edmonton remains at the forefront of local and league-wide interest. But if mutual admiration is any indicator, the odds of a reunion are strong. Perry wants to be back. The fans want him back. And from all indications, the team appreciates exactly what he brings.
Corey Perry’s journey with the Oilers may have begun as a midseason experiment, but it has evolved into something more meaningful—for both the player and the franchise. It’s not often that you see a near-40-year-old forward join a team in January and end the year as one of its most beloved and respected figures. But that’s exactly what happened in Edmonton. For all he’s accomplished—a Hart Trophy, a Rocket Richard, a Stanley Cup—Perry’s late-career ride with the Oilers has added a new layer to his legacy: one defined by resilience, selflessness, and a burning desire to win one more time.
And so, as the Oilers prepare for another run and Corey Perry eyes one final chase, the fit remains obvious. He’s not just tolerated in Edmonton—he’s embraced. He’s not just useful—he’s essential in ways stats can’t capture. And most importantly, he’s not looking elsewhere. For Corey Perry, Edmonton isn’t a final stop. It’s the right place at the right time. It’s where he wants to be. And if he gets his way, he’ll be back in the orange and blue come fall, once again ready to chase the one thing he hasn’t yet recaptured—a second Stanley Cup, this time in a city that’s come to feel like home.
