What Is Corey Perry's Playing Future With The Oilers?

The 40-year-old Corey Perry's playing career is not over as he said as much. By the way he played this season, any team would be dumb not to sign him. But the Edmonton Oilers have priority as they have a little time to get a new contract done with him before he becomes a UFA.

According to Frank Seravalli, Perry's priority is to stay in Edmonton. That makes a lot of sense considering the role he played and how well he can still play. The veteran put up 19 goals and 30 points during his 20th regular season and topped it off with 10 goals and 14 points in 22 playoff games. Perry has made the playoffs in 17 seasons and has now lost in the Stanley Cup Final in five consecutive appearances over the past six seasons.

Perry never had great foot speed, so that isn't something he can be judged on to see if his time in the NHL is over. He has been with Edmonton now for two seasons and it is his sixth NHL team. The teams he plays on tend to go very deep as indicated by all of his recent Cup Final appearances. He is definitely a reason for that with his style of play and contributions offensively and elsewhere.

Even though the Oilers are much more of a veteran team, it makes sense to keep Perry around. He was a great replacement when Zach Hyman got injured. Perry played on the top line and top power play. This doesn't mean Hyman wasn't missed, but Perry has done it all and knows that he needs to alter his role to whatever needs there are.

The Oilers will once again be able to sign Perry for cheap and likely on a one-year deal if they choose. The team won't look exactly the same as it did this season and it is necessary for a few changes, but as long as Perry can keep up and play like he has, Edmonton shouldn't hesitate to give him a contract.