Perry joined TSN 1050 in Toronto on Monday and explained that the deal with L.A. came together quickly thanks to his relationship with former Oilers GM Ken Holland. He also admitted it wasn’t easy walking away from a good situation in Edmonton
Corey Perry’s recent move to the Los Angeles Kings has caught the attention of both hockey insiders and fans, especially considering his deep ties to the Edmonton Oilers. Perry, who had spent several successful years in the NHL, including a notable stint with the Oilers, joined TSN 1050 in Toronto on Monday to discuss the circumstances surrounding his decision to leave Edmonton for Los Angeles. During the interview, Perry delved into how the deal with L.A. came together so quickly, thanks to his strong relationship with former Oilers general manager Ken Holland. He also shared candidly that the decision to walk away from a solid situation in Edmonton was not an easy one.
Perry’s journey to the Kings had all the hallmarks of an unexpected yet perfectly timed move. As an accomplished veteran, the forward’s reputation as a gritty, reliable, and clutch player has followed him throughout his career, but his decision to leave the Oilers was not made lightly. He admitted that, even though he knew he had a great opportunity with Los Angeles, leaving Edmonton was still a tough pill to swallow. The Oilers had been a place where Perry had found success and camaraderie, and moving on meant leaving behind a familiar and comfortable environment. But as the business of hockey often dictates, new opportunities can arise quickly, and Perry had to make a difficult choice.
The connection between Perry and Ken Holland is a significant part of this narrative. Perry, who played for Holland during his time in Edmonton, forged a strong bond with the general manager, who is widely regarded for his sharp hockey mind and his commitment to building competitive teams. Holland, having been involved with Perry’s career in the past, understood exactly what Perry could bring to the table. As a result, Holland was able to facilitate the deal to L.A. with remarkable efficiency, making Perry’s transition from Edmonton to Los Angeles smoother than it might have been under other circumstances.
When Perry reflected on his time with the Oilers, it was clear that he held the organization in high regard. While he was excited about the new chapter with the Kings, he acknowledged the stability and growth he had experienced in Edmonton. The Oilers were a team on the rise, having made significant strides in recent seasons with young stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge. Edmonton’s championship aspirations were in full swing, and Perry had been a key part of the team’s success. His leadership, experience, and presence in the locker room were invaluable to a squad looking to break through and capture the ultimate prize. Leaving that environment, with all of its promise, was no small decision.
Perry admitted that the thought of leaving such a promising situation wasn’t easy, but ultimately, he felt the move to Los Angeles was the right choice for him at this stage of his career. While Edmonton offered stability, familiarity, and a chance to compete for a title, Perry believed that the opportunity in L.A. presented a unique chance to take on a new role and challenge himself in a different setting. He described how, at this point in his career, he was looking for a fresh environment that could offer him a different experience and a new perspective on the game. Sometimes, even when everything is going well, a change of scenery can provide a player with renewed energy and excitement.
The deal with L.A. had a rapid timeline, which Perry attributed to his close relationship with Ken Holland. As the former general manager of the Oilers, Holland had a deep understanding of Perry’s game and his leadership qualities. Holland knew that Perry’s experience and strong hockey IQ would be an asset to any team, especially one like the Kings, who were looking to continue building a strong, competitive roster. It was clear from the conversation that Holland trusted Perry’s ability to contribute both on and off the ice, which played a large role in Perry’s transition to L.A.
Perry’s move to the Kings also highlighted a larger theme within the NHL: the importance of personal relationships in player transactions. Hockey, after all, is as much about people as it is about the game. The bonds that players form with general managers, coaches, and other staff members can often influence decisions, especially when the player is at a crossroads in their career. In Perry’s case, his connection to Holland not only facilitated the deal but also made the transition smoother. Knowing that he had someone who believed in him and his abilities made the decision to leave Edmonton a bit easier, even if it wasn’t entirely without emotional difficulty.
During the interview, Perry also shared some of the specifics about what drew him to Los Angeles. While the appeal of playing with a team that was eager to compete for a championship was certainly a key factor, Perry also spoke highly of the Kings’ organizational structure. He pointed to their commitment to development and the team’s willingness to give veterans a meaningful role within the squad. As a veteran who had seen and experienced much during his NHL career, Perry appreciated the opportunity to join a team that valued his leadership and his ability to mentor younger players.
The Kings, who have been in a bit of a rebuilding phase in recent years, have shown flashes of promise and growth. With the emergence of young stars like Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, and others, the Kings were poised to return to a level of competitiveness that would make them a formidable force in the Western Conference. For Perry, this was an exciting challenge—one where he could make an impact both as a player and a mentor to the younger members of the team.
While Perry’s decision to leave Edmonton was driven by a variety of factors, it was clear that he still had a deep appreciation for the Oilers and the people he had worked with during his time in the city. The Oilers, after all, were a team on the rise, and the prospect of playing alongside players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl was something that many players would envy. Perry, however, understood that the timing was right for a new challenge. And sometimes, in a player’s career, that’s the most important factor—the timing and the opportunity to grow in a different environment.
The Kings, too, stood to benefit from the addition of Perry. He was a player with invaluable experience, not only in regular-season games but also in high-pressure playoff situations. His leadership qualities, coupled with his clutch performances, would help bolster a team that had its sights set on returning to the postseason. Perry’s ability to play in a variety of roles, whether as a top-six forward or in a more defensive capacity, gave the Kings flexibility in how they utilized him. Furthermore, his ability to mentor younger players and instill a championship mentality could prove to be one of his most significant contributions to the team. After all, Perry had been part of Stanley Cup-winning teams with both the Anaheim Ducks and the Chicago Blackhawks, giving him the experience and wisdom to pass down to the next generation of Kings players.
When reflecting on his time in Edmonton, Perry couldn’t help but express gratitude for the opportunity to play in such a passionate and hockey-obsessed market. Edmonton’s hockey community had embraced him from the start, and he had developed deep relationships with both his teammates and the fans. Despite his decision to move on, Perry made it clear that the Oilers held a special place in his heart. The Oilers’ fanbase, known for its unwavering loyalty and support, had given him a sense of pride and fulfillment, and he didn’t take that for granted.
Yet, as the business of the NHL goes, players sometimes have to make decisions that transcend emotion. For Perry, leaving Edmonton was part of his personal and professional journey, and he was excited about the future in Los Angeles. The fact that he could make that transition with the help of a trusted relationship in Ken Holland made the process that much easier.
The decision to leave a competitive team like the Oilers for the Kings was not one Perry took lightly, and his candid admission that it wasn’t easy to walk away from a good situation only added depth to his story. Players, especially veterans, often face crossroads in their careers, and it’s not always about financial incentives or playing for a better team. Sometimes, it’s about finding the right opportunity at the right time—both professionally and personally.
As Perry continues his career in Los Angeles, Oilers fans will no doubt continue to appreciate the valuable contributions he made to the team during his time in Edmonton. Whether it was his leadership on and off the ice, his experience in high-stakes games, or his gritty, competitive nature, Perry helped elevate the Oilers in ways that went beyond the scoresheet. His move to L.A. may mark the end of his chapter in Edmonton, but it opens a new and exciting one for both him and the Kings.
For the Oilers, the question of what Perry’s departure means will ultimately play out on the ice. The Oilers have made significant strides in building a championship-contending team, and while Perry’s departure is undoubtedly a loss, it’s also part of the evolution of a team that is focused on the future. And with players like McDavid, Draisaitl, and others still leading the way, Edmonton’s hopes of achieving their long-awaited Stanley Cup dream remain as strong as ever. Perry’s journey, both with the Oilers and now with the Kings, serves as a reminder that in hockey, change is constant, but relationships, growth, and the pursuit of success are timeless.
