Did the Oilers Let a Good One Get Away?

A Closer Look at Corey Perry’s Move to the Kings

When Corey Perry suited up for his 1,400th NHL game this fall—this time in a Los Angeles Kings sweater—you could almost hear the collective groan from Edmonton. Not anger, exactly, just that familiar Oilers fan feeling of “did we let one slip away?”

Still Finding Ways to Contribute

For a guy who’s been around as long as Perry, you’d think the tank would be running low. But that’s not really his story. Across 1,400 games, he’s piled up 454 goals and 490 assists—and last year in Edmonton, he chipped in 19 goals, 11 assists, and 14 more points during the playoff run. Not flashy numbers, but the kind that make a difference in tight games.

Fast-forward to this season in L.A., and Perry’s off to a strong start again—six goals and three assists through his first nine games. For a team like the Oilers, who’ve sometimes leaned a little too hard on McDavid and Draisaitl to carry the offense, that kind of reliable depth scoring is worth its weight in gold (a point much more magnified following a 9-1 loss to the Avalanche).

The Value You Can’t Measure

But Perry’s biggest impact might not show up in any stat line. He’s the kind of player who knows how to navigate the grind—when to speak up, when to push buttons, when to lighten the mood. For younger guys—up and down Edmonton’s line-up—that kind of mentorship is priceless. You can’t coach 1,400 games of experience.

Why Moving On Still Makes Sense

That said, it’s not like the Oilers were wrong to let him walk. Perry’s 40, and roster spots (and cap space) don’t grow on trees. The front office probably wanted to give younger players a chance to grow into those bottom-six roles while keeping some flexibility for mid-season moves. From a long-term view, it’s a reasonable call—even if it leaves fans wondering “what if.”

The Final Take

So, was it a mistake? Maybe. Maybe not. If Perry, however, keeps producing in L.A.—in every way he has throughout 1,400+ games—and the Oilers’ depth dries up, it’ll be difficult not to second-guess. But if the younger Oilers step up and the team stays in the hunt, then everyone—Perry included—might’ve ended up exactly where they needed to be.