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Corey Perry Taken Out of Oilers Lineup As Edmonton Faces Tough Waivers Decision
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Moments before tonight's game against the Seattle Kraken, the Edmonton Oilers announced that Corey Perry will be a healthy scratch.
The Oilers are currently facing a tough waivers decision as they carry an extra forward on their roster, and one candidate to be a scratch is Perry.
This is the first time Perry has been a healthy scratch this season, but on the second game of a back to back at 39 years old, it's not really a game he needs to play. Frankly, scratching Perry in a back to back was a long time coming.
Even though he'll miss tonight's game, Perry isn't a player that's even in consideration for waivers. It's much more likely that the Oilers waive Derek Ryan next, even if Corey Perry shouldn't play all 82 games this year.
Edmonton Oilers healthy scratch Corey Perry for first time this season
At 39 years old though, Corey «The Worm» Perry is still bringing some decent hockey on the Oilers fourth line. In 38 games this year, Perry had 6 goals and 12 points with only fourth line minutes.
He's still bringing a good physical presence to the bottom six and unquestionably brings plenty of playoff leadership to the locker room.
Coach Knoblauch explained the decision is just resting Perry while they have the extra body, and not at all a reflection of his play.
»Corey's been really steady right through the year. He's given us really good games. Usually when a guy's coming out he's had a bad game. Corey didn't. He was solid, created a lot of scoring chances. It's just more maintenance.»
- Coach Knoblauch
- Coach Knoblauch
Perry will surely be a regular in the Oilers playoff bottom six, and scratching him is arguably a good thing to get the veteran some rest.
However, it does raise the possibility reality once again that the Oilers will soon need to waive another veteran player soon, especially if they want to accrue extra salary cap space before the trade deadline.
Players never like to be pulled from the lineup, especially veterans like Perry who thrive off their routine. He'll still surely understand, but hopefully, the Oilers can soon take care of the extra forward.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 4 | 176 ANSWERS Corey Perry Taken Out of Oilers Lineup As Edmonton Faces Tough Waivers Decision Do you think Corey Perry should play all 82 games for the Oilers this season? | ||
| Yes | 55 | 31.3 % |
| No | 121 | 68.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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