Corey Perry is quietly having an underrated season for the Oilers, contributing both offensively and defensively in key situations.

Corey Perry, the veteran winger who has been a staple in the NHL for years, has been quietly having one of his most underrated seasons with the Edmonton Oilers. While the spotlight often shines on the high-octane offensive players such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Perry’s contributions this season have been invaluable to the Oilers’ success, particularly in areas that don’t always show up on the score sheet. From providing veteran leadership to contributing in both offensive and defensive situations, Perry has played an integral role in the team’s overall balance and success.

In this article, we will dive deep into Corey Perry’s season with the Oilers, highlighting his contributions, his ability to perform in various key roles, and how his presence has helped shape the team’s dynamic. While he may not be the flashiest player on the roster, his impact on the ice is undeniable, and his performance has certainly earned him a place as one of the most underrated players for the Oilers this year.

A Long and Successful Career

Corey Perry’s NHL career has been one of sustained excellence. After being drafted 28th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2003 NHL Draft, Perry quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He was an essential piece of the Ducks’ success, contributing to their Stanley Cup victory in 2007. Over the course of his career, Perry has amassed over 400 goals and 800 points, with his offensive abilities consistently standing out.

While known for his scoring prowess, Perry’s game has evolved over the years. As he has aged, he has become a more well-rounded player, still contributing offensively but also serving as a physical presence on the ice. His leadership and intangibles have made him a valuable asset on every team he has played for, and his experience is invaluable, especially on a team like the Oilers, who are looking to take the next step toward a championship.

Perry’s journey through the NHL includes stints with the Ducks, Dallas Stars, and most recently, the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he played in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2020 and 2021. However, in the 2022-2023 season, Perry found a new home in Edmonton, where his career would take on a new chapter in a bid for another championship.

Veteran Leadership in the Locker Room

One of the most significant but often overlooked aspects of Corey Perry’s impact on the Oilers is his leadership in the locker room. As one of the most seasoned veterans in the NHL, Perry brings a wealth of experience that cannot be quantified by statistics alone. His leadership has helped provide stability and confidence to a team full of young stars looking to make their mark in the postseason.

With a roster that includes young players like Ryan McLeod, Dylan Holloway, and Evan Bouchard, Perry’s presence as a mentor has been invaluable. His ability to provide guidance to these younger players and help them adapt to the rigors of the NHL is critical for the Oilers, especially as they continue to strive for consistency throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.

On the ice, Perry is a vocal leader, constantly communicating with his teammates, whether it’s on the forecheck or setting up plays in the offensive zone. His leadership extends beyond just the tactical aspects of the game—Perry’s competitive fire and unrelenting work ethic set the tone for the entire team. His experience in tight playoff races and high-pressure situations is something the Oilers’ young players can learn from, especially when it comes to maintaining composure in close games or in critical moments.

Offensive Contributions

While Perry may not be leading the Oilers in points, his offensive contributions have still been significant this season. Perry’s ability to provide secondary scoring has been crucial for a team that already boasts some of the best offensive players in the league. Perry has shown that he can still be a factor on the scoreboard, especially when deployed in the right situations.

Playing on the Oilers’ third and fourth lines, Perry has provided a much-needed scoring touch, offering depth behind the top-six forwards like McDavid, Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman. This depth scoring has been key to the Oilers’ success in games when their top players are being closely watched or when the team has faced adversity. Perry’s knack for getting to the net and finding rebounds has helped create scoring chances and has allowed the Oilers to maintain pressure throughout all four lines.

Additionally, Perry’s playmaking ability has been on display this season. His vision and hockey IQ are still sharp, and he has been able to make quick passes and set up scoring chances for his linemates. While he is often used in a more defensive role, Perry’s offensive capabilities should not be discounted, and he has proven time and again that he is still a dangerous player in the right situations.

One of the most telling signs of Perry’s offensive value is his ability to contribute on the power play. While he may not be the first player to come to mind when discussing power-play specialists, Perry has been an effective presence in front of the net. His ability to create chaos in the crease and deflect pucks has resulted in several goals this season. The Oilers’ power play has been one of the most potent in the league, and Perry has added to that by using his experience and positioning to disrupt goaltenders and create scoring opportunities.

Defensive Play and Two-Way Contributions

Corey Perry’s underrated status comes not only from his offensive contributions but also from his ability to contribute in the defensive zone. Despite being known as a goal scorer earlier in his career, Perry has developed into a well-rounded forward who can play in all situations, including a shutdown role when necessary.

Perry’s defensive play has been especially crucial for the Oilers, who have historically struggled in their own zone. He brings a physical edge that helps protect the front of the net and disrupt the opposition’s offensive flow. His ability to win battles along the boards, especially in the defensive zone, allows the Oilers to maintain possession and transition quickly into the attack. Perry’s positioning and awareness in his own end have improved with age, and his ability to read the game allows him to anticipate plays and break up passes before they develop.

In addition to his defensive zone play, Perry has been used as a penalty killer on occasion, providing valuable minutes when the Oilers are short-handed. His physicality and willingness to block shots have made him an asset in these situations, where the Oilers often need to rely on their veterans to step up and shut down the opposition.

The Intangibles: Grit, Physicality, and Winning Mentality

Beyond the points, the assists, and the minutes played, Corey Perry’s true value to the Oilers can be found in his grit and determination. Perry has long been known as a player who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty—whether it’s digging for pucks in the corner, standing in front of the net to screen the goalie, or throwing the occasional hit. He plays with an edge and has a competitive fire that is contagious to his teammates.

His experience in winning—the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007, as well as two back-to-back Finals appearances with Tampa Bay—gives him a winning mentality that is invaluable to a team like the Oilers, who are looking to take the next step toward a championship. Perry has been in enough big games to know what it takes to succeed in the postseason, and that knowledge is critical as the Oilers push toward the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Impact on the Oilers’ Playoff Push

As the season progresses and the Oilers gear up for a playoff push, Corey Perry’s contributions will become even more crucial. With the team already possessing two of the best offensive players in the league in McDavid and Draisaitl, Perry’s role will be that of a stabilizer, someone who can step up in big moments and add depth to the offense while continuing to provide reliable play in all situations.

Perry’s ability to contribute at both ends of the rink will be essential as the Oilers face some of the toughest competition in the NHL. Whether it’s getting a key goal on the power play, drawing a penalty, or shutting down the opposition’s top players, Perry’s all-around game makes him an indispensable asset to the Oilers’ roster.