Corey Perry makes gutting choice to sign with Oilers rival on massive contract
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Corey Perry developed from a pest into a fan favourite with the Edmonton Oilers, and now he's leaving to join their biggest rival team in the Los Angeles Kings.
According to reports from TSN insider Bob McKenzie, Corey Perry is finalizing a contract to sign with the Los Angeles Kings. Former Oilers GM Ken Holland likely played a big role in recruiting, and overpaying for Perry.
Oilers' Corey Perry set to sign with Los Angeles Kings
The full details of the deal haven't yet been made public, but Corey Perry was seeking a significant raise from the $1.15M contract he signed with the Oilers last season. After scoring 19 goals, Perry was reportedly seeking up to $2.5M in free agency.
UPDATE: Corey Perry has a one year contract for $3.5M - frankly, a massive AAV for a player turning 41 next season.
At 40 years old and after two Stanley Cup runs with the Edmonton Oilers, many fans thought Perry would be willing to take a pay cut to stay for the unfinished business in Edmonton. This is a player with over $100M in career earnings.
Over his 160 games with the Oilers, Perry served as a great leader and locker room figure.
To see him leave while the team is still competing for a cup to chase an extra payday is tough to see for Oilers fans. The fact that he chose a bitter rival in the Los Angeles Kings makes it sting even more - and they'll likely meet again in the playoffs.
Hopefully the Oilers take this opportunity to get younger and faster in their bottom six, and their top players are forced to take on more of a leadership role in the room.
As for Perry, Oilers fans may not be wishing him the best joining Los Angeles.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 1 | 1149 ANSWERS Corey Perry makes gutting choice to sign with Oilers rival on massive contract Do you think the Oilers were right to not pay Perry $3.5M? | ||
| Yes | 817 | 71.1 % |
| No | 332 | 28.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
