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Corey Perry addresses reason for leaving Oilers, joining playoff rival Kings


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Liam McCormick
July 2, 2025  (1:25 PM)
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Corey Perry with the Edmonton Oilers
Photo credit: Imagn Images

Corey Perry surprised Oilers fans when the veteran forward decided to join the rival LA Kings in free agency, instead of staying in Edmonton for another chance at the Cup.

On the opening day of free agency, Perry signed a 1 year contract with Los Angeles for a whopping $4M including salary bonuses - a deal Edmonton just wasn't willing to hand out.

Corey Perry addresses reason for leaving Edmonton Oilers for Los Angeles Kings

Perry spoke to the media yesterday after his contract was made official, and was asked point-blank why he left Edmonton. Perry admitted that he
Edmonton's always going to have a soft spot in my heart. Me going there, and them bringing me in, going to two Cup Finals and going through it all with those guys, but not getting the job done.

It's memorable. Those fans are so passionate, especially in playoff time. It's a tremendous building and one of the best to play in.

But when we kind of had a feeling it wasn't going to go the way we kind of planned, those things happen. You move on to something else, and you get ready for something else. When Kenny called, and having that relationship, it definitely helps.

- Corey Perry


By earlier reports from insider Bob Stauffer, Corey Perry was seeking a contract of $2M with the Edmonton Oilers. Even that would've been a significant discount from the $4M max contract he signed.
Judging Perry's comments, it sounds like the Oilers just weren't interested in bringing Perry back at his requested price tag. It's a shame he had to demand such a raise, because if he truly wanted to stay in Edmonton, he would've needed a discount.
Having made over $100M in his career, there was some hope Perry would take a $1M deal again.
Ultimately, with a priority to reshape the forward group to get younger, it's the right call not to overpay Perry at $2M, let alone 4.
Signing Andrew Mangiapane for a similar price may prove to be a much more effective use of the cap for Edmonton.
The pesty veteran winger came to Edmonton as a bitter rival, and will leave a respected leader to Oilers fans. It's unfortunate that other teams were lining up to overpay him, and he chose those opportunities over another shot at winning in Edmonton.
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Corey Perry addresses reason for leaving Oilers, joining playoff rival Kings

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