Corey Perry may have shocking change of plan with NHL future, per insider

Perry formally announced during the playoffs that he does intend to return for another season, and by all accounts, he wants to return to the Oilers - but Edmonton needs to offer him a contract.

NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that he could see Perry hitting free agency, because there's plenty of teams interested in signing him - likely that can offer more money than the Edmonton Oilers.

The Oilers will be facing a cap crunch this offseason, and will need to dedicate most of their offseason cap space to Evan Bouchard. Their depth wingers will need to come in on cheap contracts, especially a 40 year old player like Perry.

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Corey Perry has plenty of interest in returning to Edmonton next season, but he's yet to be offered a contract.

Perhaps the Oilers are waiting to see how the rest of their lineup shapes up before offering a contract back to Perry. Getting younger needs to be a priority this offseason, and adding those types of players should take priority.

However, there's a real argument to be made that Perry was the Oilers most effective winger in the Stanley Cup Final, and had a great season with 19 goals in 81 games.

That great season will give Perry plenty more options in free agency, at a higher dollar figure than the Oilers should offer. If Perry does return to Edmonton next season, he'll be leaving money on the table in free agency to stay on with the Oilers.