Corey Perry cannot be ignored by the Oilers.

The NHL trade deadline is often a time of high-profile acquisitions, where star players get moved in hopes of making a championship run. But for the Edmonton Oilers, a team with one of the best offensive duos in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the path to success isn’t always about chasing the most high-profile targets. Sometimes, it’s about finding players who fit the team’s needs and complement the style of play that works. That’s where Corey Perry, the veteran forward currently with the Tampa Bay Lightning, could play a pivotal role for the Oilers in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup.

Perry is a player who, despite being overshadowed by younger stars, brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and the kind of grit that every championship contender needs. His name has been mentioned as a potential trade target in recent weeks, and there are clear reasons why the Oilers should take a serious look at bringing Perry aboard. The Oilers’ primary goal is to build a roster that can compete with the best, and adding a player of Perry’s caliber could be the missing piece that puts them over the top.

In this article, we’ll explore why Corey Perry cannot be ignored by the Oilers. His championship pedigree, leadership qualities, ability to play in a bottom-six role, and potential impact on Edmonton’s playoff run all make him an intriguing acquisition for a team looking to end its long quest for a Stanley Cup.

Perry’s Championship Pedigree: A Winning Mentality

Corey Perry has seen and done it all in the NHL, and perhaps no quality stands out more than his championship pedigree. Perry has won a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007, where he played a key role in the team’s success. But that’s not all—Perry has also had deep playoff runs with the Ducks and the Dallas Stars, and he currently plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have won two Stanley Cups in the past three years (2020 and 2021).

Perry’s wealth of playoff experience, including his ability to step up in clutch moments, would be invaluable for the Oilers, a team that is still looking to establish a culture of postseason success. McDavid and Draisaitl are incredible talents, but both have yet to win a Cup, and adding a player like Perry who has been through the grind of a Stanley Cup run could provide the mentorship and guidance needed to push the Oilers into that next level.

Perry has consistently been a player who rises to the occasion in high-pressure situations. While his offensive numbers may not be as gaudy as they once were, his ability to contribute in other ways is just as important. He’s a player who can provide that “big game” mentality, and that’s something the Oilers have sorely lacked in recent seasons. In a playoff series, having a player like Perry can make a massive difference—whether it’s through scoring a timely goal, agitating the opposition, or simply providing stability in difficult moments.

This winning mentality could prove essential for the Oilers, who have been building a team capable of competing for the Cup but have yet to make it past the Western Conference Final since McDavid arrived. Perry’s experience could be the missing ingredient that helps turn the Oilers from perennial contenders into actual champions.

Leadership and Mentorship: Guiding the Young Stars

While McDavid and Draisaitl are undoubtedly the leaders of the Oilers on the ice, one cannot underestimate the value of veteran leadership in the locker room. Corey Perry has been a captain before, having led the Anaheim Ducks for several years, and he is known for his work ethic, professionalism, and ability to motivate his teammates. In a room filled with young stars, Perry’s presence could be a guiding force that helps the Oilers develop the mental toughness required to win in the postseason.

For a team that relies heavily on its high-end talent, Perry would be an ideal mentor. His leadership qualities extend far beyond the Xs and Os of the game. He understands the grind of a long season, the pressure of playing under the spotlight, and the sacrifices that come with competing for a championship. Perry’s ability to guide players like McDavid and Draisaitl through the ups and downs of a playoff series could be crucial to their success.

In addition, Perry’s experience on the penalty kill and as a player who can be called upon to play in a variety of situations is something the Oilers could use. Many of the Oilers’ young stars, including Kailer Yamamoto and Evan Bouchard, would benefit from Perry’s guidance in terms of playing in tight games, focusing on details, and performing in high-stakes scenarios. If Edmonton is to make a serious push for the Cup, having a veteran like Perry on the roster could make a substantial difference in the locker room, both in terms of morale and tactical advice.

A Perfect Bottom-Six Addition: Versatility and Grit

The Oilers have long been one of the most potent offensive teams in the NHL, but as has often been the case in the postseason, they need more than just their stars to succeed. The importance of a solid and effective bottom six cannot be overstated, and that’s where a player like Corey Perry could make an immediate impact.

Perry, though no longer the high-scoring machine he once was, remains a highly effective player in a bottom-six role. He’s not going to light up the scoreboard every night, but he brings a wealth of intangibles that are crucial to a successful playoff run. His physicality, leadership, and experience allow him to thrive in situations where younger, more skilled players might falter.

Perry is the kind of player who excels in the dirty areas of the game—winning puck battles, going to the front of the net, and creating havoc for the opposition. His ability to play in front of the net and cause disruptions is something the Oilers could desperately use. While they have star power in McDavid and Draisaitl, they could use more secondary scoring, grit, and experience in their bottom six, and Perry fits that bill perfectly.

Moreover, Perry’s role on special teams could add value for the Oilers. He is well-regarded as a penalty killer, a key asset for any team looking to make a deep playoff run. The Oilers’ penalty kill has been one of their weaker aspects in recent years, and bringing in a player like Perry could help bolster this part of the game. His ability to kill penalties effectively and chip in offensively would provide the Oilers with a well-rounded player who can contribute in all areas, making him a perfect fit for the bottom-six role they’ve been searching for.

Adding Depth Without Breaking the Bank

One of the key challenges facing the Oilers as they pursue a Stanley Cup is managing their salary cap situation. With McDavid and Draisaitl taking up large chunks of the cap, the Oilers must be strategic in how they add pieces to their roster. Fortunately, Corey Perry’s contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning is structured in such a way that he could be available at a relatively low cost, both in terms of salary and trade assets.

Perry, being on the back end of his career, does not command the kind of salary that some of the league’s higher-profile players do. This makes him an attractive option for a team like the Oilers, who need to add depth without sacrificing their future. While he may not have the same scoring potential he once had, Perry still provides a level of consistency and reliability that makes him a worthwhile addition, particularly in a role that allows him to play a supporting, but vital, role on the team.

The cost to acquire Perry would likely be modest—perhaps a mid-round draft pick or a young player in the Oilers’ system. Given that Tampa Bay is in the midst of a playoff push, the Lightning may be reluctant to part with him. However, should Tampa Bay fall out of contention or pivot toward a rebuild, Perry could become an affordable addition for the Oilers without them needing to break the bank.