How Corey Perry of the Oilers, who is (almost) 40 years old, continues to be an important roster player.

In the fast-paced, physically demanding world of the National Hockey League (NHL), age can often be viewed as an obstacle. Players who enter their late 30s are often seen as approaching the twilight of their careers, with their production, speed, and energy diminishing year by year. However, there are exceptions to this general rule, and one such exception is Corey Perry. Now nearing the age of 40, Perry continues to be a crucial part of the Edmonton Oilers’ roster, defying expectations and providing veteran leadership, experience, and critical on-ice contributions. In this article, we will explore how Perry has managed to stay relevant at this stage of his career, the roles he plays for the Oilers, and how his presence continues to be essential despite his age.

1. Corey Perry’s Long and Successful NHL Career

Before delving into how Corey Perry has maintained his relevance with the Oilers, it’s essential to look back at his long and accomplished career. Perry was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2003 NHL Draft and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the league. His combination of scoring ability, physicality, and two-way play made him one of the most complete forwards in the game. Over the years, Perry earned accolades such as the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s MVP in 2011, a Stanley Cup championship with the Ducks in 2007, and multiple All-Star appearances.

Throughout his career, Perry has built a reputation as a gritty, hard-working forward who isn’t afraid to get into the dirty areas of the ice to make an impact. His ability to play in all situations—whether it’s the power play, penalty kill, or at even strength—has been a hallmark of his game. Perry’s competitive spirit and leadership qualities have made him a valuable asset to any team he has played for.

In recent years, as Perry has entered the twilight of his career, he has continued to adapt his game, shifting from a more offensive-focused role to one that also emphasizes mentorship, leadership, and providing steady depth in key situations. This evolution has allowed him to continue playing at a high level even as his physical tools may not be what they once were.

2. Adapting to a Leadership Role

At almost 40 years old, Corey Perry is no longer the high-scoring, high-flying offensive dynamo he once was. However, his value lies not just in his on-ice ability but in his leadership off the ice. Perry’s wealth of experience and championship pedigree make him an invaluable mentor to younger players on the Edmonton Oilers, particularly those in need of guidance in the finer aspects of the game.

When players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard are striving to take their games to the next level, Perry’s veteran presence can offer insights that can only be gained from years of experience. His leadership extends beyond words; he sets an example with his work ethic, commitment to detail, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Even when he’s not scoring or playing on the top lines, Perry’s influence in the locker room and his ability to lead by example in practice and during games cannot be overstated.

Perry’s role as a mentor has been particularly beneficial to the younger players on the Oilers, especially the rookies and developing prospects. By observing Perry’s commitment and approach to the game, these players learn the importance of consistency, responsibility, and preparation—qualities that can be just as crucial as raw talent when it comes to long-term success in the NHL.

Moreover, Perry’s experience in big games, particularly his history with the Ducks and his recent stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning, has given him a deep understanding of playoff hockey. For a team like the Oilers, which often finds itself in high-pressure situations, having a player who knows what it takes to succeed in the postseason is invaluable.

3. Special Teams Contributions: The Power Play and Penalty Kill

One of the key ways that Corey Perry continues to contribute to the Oilers is through his work on special teams, particularly the power play and penalty kill. Despite his age, Perry’s ability to be a physical presence in front of the net, his excellent hand-eye coordination, and his willingness to battle for pucks in high-traffic areas allow him to be effective in these roles.

On the power play, Perry has made a name for himself as a net-front presence, which is an important role for a team with as many skilled players as the Oilers. His ability to screen goaltenders, tip pucks, and create chaos in the crease makes him an effective option in power-play situations. The Oilers are known for their dynamic power play, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but Perry’s presence adds an element of physicality that can’t be overlooked. While younger players may focus more on speed and finesse, Perry knows that the ability to disrupt a goaltender’s vision or cash in on rebounds can be just as effective, and he does this job expertly.

On the penalty kill, Perry’s leadership and defensive commitment shine. While he may no longer have the same quickness as he did earlier in his career, Perry is still capable of disrupting passing lanes, blocking shots, and winning crucial faceoffs. His experience on the defensive side of the puck allows him to read plays well and make important contributions in key moments.

Perry’s understanding of the game and his high hockey IQ make him an asset on special teams, and the Oilers have found ways to use his unique skill set in these areas to their advantage. For a team that often has to rely on special teams to make up for deficiencies in five-on-five play, Perry’s continued presence on both the power play and penalty kill is a huge asset.

4. Veteran Presence on the Bottom Six

While Corey Perry may no longer be a top-line player, his value on the Oilers’ bottom six is immeasurable. As the NHL has evolved, teams have placed more emphasis on depth, and Perry’s ability to step into a lower-line role has given the Oilers much-needed experience and leadership on their third and fourth lines.

At almost 40, Perry no longer needs to be the primary offensive contributor. Instead, he has embraced the role of a reliable depth forward who can provide stability and energy to the bottom six. He is the kind of player who can be counted on to be a matchup nightmare for opposing teams when they have to deal with a heavy, experienced line. His net-front presence, gritty play, and ability to grind out shifts make him a valuable asset in these situations.

Additionally, Perry’s versatility allows him to play up and down the lineup when injuries or other circumstances require it. Whether he’s on a checking line or moving up to provide extra offense on the second line, his experience allows him to fit in seamlessly in various roles. The Oilers have benefited from having Perry as a safety net in case of injury to their top six forwards, as his presence on the ice is never a liability, even if he isn’t producing points at the rate he did in his prime.

5. The Intangibles: What Corey Perry Brings Beyond the Stat Sheet

While the statistical side of the game is often the most visible and frequently discussed, there are many intangibles that contribute to a player’s value, especially one like Corey Perry. Perry’s grit, physicality, and willingness to do the little things that don’t show up in the box score are what truly set him apart at this stage of his career.

Perry is not afraid to get into the dirty areas, whether it’s in front of the net, along the boards, or battling in the corners. His ability to play a physical brand of hockey without taking unnecessary penalties adds a toughness that the Oilers need, especially in the postseason, where games often become more physical and emotionally charged.

Furthermore, Perry’s leadership on and off the ice extends to his attitude toward preparation and consistency. In a sport as demanding as hockey, having a player like Perry who is able to maintain a high level of work ethic and discipline is invaluable for setting the standard for younger players on the team.

Lastly, his ability to contribute in clutch moments—whether it’s delivering a big hit, blocking a crucial shot, or scoring a timely goal—continues to make him an important player for the Oilers, even as his career edges closer to its conclusion.

6. The Future: Corey Perry’s Legacy and Role in the Oilers’ Championship Push

As Corey Perry nears the 40-year mark, the question of how much longer he can continue playing at a high level looms. However, as long as he remains a valuable asset on the ice and a strong voice in the locker room, his presence will continue to be vital for the Oilers. With the team’s aspirations to win a Stanley Cup, having a player like Perry on the roster provides them with the experience and depth needed to make a deep postseason run.

Perry’s legacy is one of consistency, leadership, and resilience. He has defied the aging curve by maintaining his place in the NHL’s top ranks, and his ability to adapt his game over time has allowed him to continue contributing at a high level.

Whether or not this season will be his last remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Corey Perry continues to play an essential role for the Edmonton Oilers, and his experience and leadership will remain a key part of their championship aspirations as long as he is on the ice.