Corey Perry’s Addition: A Risk Worth Taking?
The Edmonton Oilers’ recent signing of Corey Perry has ignited intense debates among NHL analysts. TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston broke the news, and TSN’s Ryan Rishaug shared intriguing insights on the potential impact Perry could have on the team, particularly considering their remarkable 13-game winning streak.
Ryan Rishaug took to Twitter to announce the deal, stating,
“Perry and the Oilers have agreed to a deal, announcement likely coming Monday if not sooner.”
SIGNED ✔️
The #Oilers have signed forward Corey Perry to a one-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $775K plus performance bonuses. Perry will wear number 90.#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/gJP2VlEqhD
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 22, 2024
Some of the fans reactions are as below
Good pick up, personally think Perry is beyond hated. But good luck losing in the finals now
— Maple Leafs Wave (@LeafsWave) January 22, 2024
Welcome to Edm Perry
— Mathew Panchyshyn (@mathewjdp) January 22, 2024
Great for the oilers but the team is playing so well I don’t know if I would have the balls to change the lineup. I guess that’s why I’m a fan and not a GM.
— Hendie001 (@Jameshe67885069) January 22, 2024
— DJ Phoenix (@DJPh03NiX) January 22, 2024
In an exclusive interview with Glenn Schiller on SportsCentre, Rishaug tackled the question of whether Perry’s arrival could disrupt the team’s chemistry. Schiller posed the query,
“What do you think of the potential fit here, considering the team’s 13 consecutive wins? Could they be meddling with something that doesn’t require fixing?”
Rishaug promptly replied,
“It would be a mistake to assume that the Oilers’ roster is a finished product simply because they’ve won 13 games in a row. I believe there are still some glaring weaknesses. One of the main areas they needed to address before the deadline was adding size to the bottom 6. Additionally, they lacked players with Stanley Cup experience.”
Rishaug emphasized that Corey Perry brings precisely these two crucial elements to the table: size in the bottom 6 and invaluable Stanley Cup experience. He stressed that these were significant deficiencies for the Oilers, and Perry’s signing effectively tackles both at a reasonable cost.
Rishaug expressed,
“Corey Perry brings both of those elements in one player, and he’ll do it at a rock-bottom price. The Oilers have addressed critical needs here. Now, we’ll have to see how effective he can still be.”
Concerns about potentially disrupting the winning streak were also addressed by Rishaug, who stated,
“As far as messing with the streak they got going right now, this roster is far from perfect, and they would have been looking into making these types of additions anyway.”
Delving deeper into Corey Perry’s situation, it’s important to note that the 38-year-old had his contract terminated by the Chicago Blackhawks in November due to a violation of club policies. The violation was related to a workplace matter, which was investigated internally. Perry, reflecting on the termination, expressed remorse for his inappropriate behavior and acknowledged the need for professional treatment regarding alcohol abuse and mental health. The Edmonton Oilers have now given him a second chance, signing him to a one-year deal.
Addressing Key Needs: Size and Experience
One of the primary reasons behind the Oilers’ interest in Corey Perry was to bolster their bottom six with size. The team recognized the importance of physicality and grit in the lineup, particularly as they approach the playoffs. Perry’s ability to bring a physical presence to the ice and contribute in crucial moments could prove invaluable in the postseason.
Moreover, the Oilers lacked players with Stanley Cup experience, which is often seen as a vital asset for teams targeting long playoff runs. Perry’s championship pedigree, having won the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007, adds a valuable element of leadership and familiarity with the demands of playoff hockey.
Embracing Second Chances: Lessons from the NHL
The NHL has a history of players finding redemption and making significant contributions after facing adversity. Numerous players have overcome personal challenges and emerged as key figures in their respective teams’ success stories. The decision to sign Corey Perry reflects the league’s belief in second chances and the potential for individuals to grow and learn from their mistakes.
With their franchise-record 13-game winning streak, the Oilers aim to leverage Perry’s experience for continued success. It’s worth noting that multiple teams had reportedly contemplated signing Perry, underscoring his value despite the controversy surrounding his termination.
Editors Insights
As the Oilers welcome Corey Perry into their lineup, the impact this signing will have on their chemistry remains uncertain. While some question the timing and potential disruption, others recognize the team’s need for improvement and believe Perry could be the missing piece to propel them to even greater accomplishments. Only time will reveal the true consequences of this controversial move.
