Pittsburgh Shows Interest In Perry

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks bought out Corey Perry on June 19th. According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Ducks were provided with a 4-6 team trade list from Perry but could not work out a deal so he was subsequently bought out. His no-movement clause was one stumbling block and his $8.6 million salary over the next two seasons was another issue.

Since the buyout, the natural question is where will he continue his hockey career. Perry did recently buy a $7.25 million dollar house in London, Ontario, which wasn’t far from his previous residence in London. When asked about the move he said, “London has been my home for almost 20 years. This is where I want to raise my family when I’m done playing hockey.” So Perry may look to play for a team close to London, Ontario. Some geographically desirable teams include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Buffalo Sabres.

Another team that isn’t located too far away is the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Puck Network was told this past Friday that the Penguins do have interest in Perry. In terms of getting a deal done, it appears the two sides are trying to agree on a contract price. The Penguins did recently trade Olli Maatta to Chicago for Dominik Kahun and a 2019 5th round draft pick. According to Cap Friendly, the team now has $4.7 million in cap space. Perry could be a Penguin at the right price, but if he gets better offers from other teams then he could go elsewhere.

Perry does have some connection to Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby. The two played in the 2005 World Junior Championships together and several times on Team Canada.

Perry had this say about the buyout, “This has definitely lit a fire in me. I want to win again. I’ve felt that feeling at every level and I want to feel it again. I watch teams win the Stanley Cup every year and I see how much emotion comes up when they win. It’s the hardest trophy to win and you need on-ice leadership and experience. I will get back to the player I used to be.”

Maybe playing on a line with Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin will get Perry back to where he wants to be.

Note: The UFA interview period officially opened this morning at 12:01 AM EST. Teams can have discussions with players, but can not sign a player officially until July 1st.

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June 23rd, 2019