NHL Insider Discloses Corey Perry's Debut Game Date With The Oilers

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Hunter Bowman
January 22, 2024 (11:52)

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Yesterday, the Edmonton Oilers made a notable move by signing Corey Perry, a seasoned player, to bolster their bottom six. Following the termination of his contract amid an undisclosed incident with the Chicago Blackhawks, both the Oilers and Hawks, along with the NHL, conducted investigations.

With no further incidents discovered, the Oilers inked a deal with Perry. Insider Frank Seravalli reports that Perry is expected to hit the ice for at least one game before the All-Star Break.

Interpreting this move, it seems Perry might join the team for practices during their current home stand, possibly making his debut in the last game before the break against the Nashville Predators on January 27th.

As reported by Mark Spector, Perry is set to join the Oilers for his initial practice today. While questions arose about when Perry would return to game action after a two-month hiatus, his consistent skating during this period indicates ongoing preparation.

At 38 years old, Perry might need a bit of time to regain top form, but his veteran presence and track record of returning strong after layoffs bode well for the Oilers. Perry brings versatility to the bottom six, offering depth scoring, size, physicality, and crucial Stanley Cup experience.

His recent performance with the Blackhawks showcased his scoring ability, notching 4 goals and 9 points in 16 games. Perry's offensive prowess might even earn him opportunities on the powerplay or in the top six lineup.

Seravalli also disclosed the intense competition for Perry's signature until the last moments before officially joining the Oilers. The Kings, Rangers, Leafs, and Lightning were all actively pursuing Perry, making his decision a significant win for the Oilers.

This signing comes at a high point for the Oilers, riding a 13-game winning streak. Adding Perry to the roster injects further momentum as they strive to climb the standings. After a challenging start to the year, the Oilers are emerging as formidable contenders for the Cup once again.

Source: Oilersdaily