Corey Perry is an ageless wonder, that's for sure. Perry, who just wrapped up his age-39 season, hasn't lost much of a step as a role player in this league, and the Los Angeles Kings recognized that, signing the 40-year-old here on Day 1 of NHL free agency. He also brings championship-caliber experience, spending the last season and a half with the Edmonton Oilers. More on that fun fact later....
Now, Perry won't score the Kings many points, but this is a defensive-oriented hockey team and Perry has thrived in more of a defensive role in recent seasons. It's why I'm calling it an 'epic move' for the Kings to sign this ageless wonder, and return him to a town in which his NHL career kicked off - Perry spent 14 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, in case you're wondering.
Still, Perry will make the most of what will probably between 11:30 to 12:00 of average total ice time. Last season, he put up just 30 points in the regular season, but had 19 goals and a 19.0 shooting percentage to show for it.
Those are good numbers, and they're proof that Perry can still play at a high level when a team calls his number. The Kings are also a playoff-caliber team, and Perry can put up his best numbers in the playoffs. Something we saw this season when he had 14 points and 10 goals.
Inking Corey Perry to a deal comes with a 'buyer beware tag,' however
Alright, so you know what Perry can do. But for those fans who are superstitious, I already know where this is going. Perry has played in the Stanley Cup Final on five different occasions this decade and is 0 for 5.
Yeah, it's been a while since Perry hoisted the Cup, and you need to go all the way back to 2006-07 season since Perry was on a team that won. Yeah, so there's a definite 'buyer beware' tag here, because Perry, for one reason or another, is a bad omen for teams who earn trips to the Stanley Cup Final.
He was on that 2020 Dallas Stars team, the 2021 Montreal Canadiens, the 2022 Tampa Bay Lightning, and the 2024 and 2025 Edmonton Oilers. And no Cup to show for it since that magical 2006-07 season in Southern California.
But then again, maybe the curse isn't in effect when Perry's playing in SoCal? He already took one with the Ducks, so maybe his career will make full cirlce if he wins one with the Kings? We'll see what happens 12 months from now.
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