Facebook Pixel

NHL Analyst Explains the Biggest Loss for Oilers After Losing Corey Perry to the Kings

The Edmonton Oilers haven’t been having the best offseason so far. While fans and critics alike expected them to address their enduring issues with the goaltending situation, the Oilers have yet to do so. They even missed their best targets for the net.

But until now, the situation seemed different for the front six. With the likes of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers looked to be doing well until the Stanley Cup Finals. But with Corey Perry now gone, that situation may change.

And as one NHL analyst breaks down this deal, the Oilers might have to start working on their front as well.

Corey Perry Leaving Might Create New Problems for the Oilers, Hints Insider

Perry signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Los Angeles Kings as he became a UFA at the end of the 2024-25 season. A significant rise from his earlier cap hit of $1.125 million, Perry will bring an edge to the Kings that they have been missing until now.

As NHL writer and analyst Jim Parsons mentions, Perry shows the willingness to go places on the ice others aren’t willing to go. According to Parsons, “And just like that, he’s gone … like a thief in the night who stole nothing on his way to the City of Angels except the hearts of many Oilers fans.”

For Parsons, Perry didn’t just fill the top spot but helped the Oilers in the back-to-back playoffs identity.

“At 40 years old, he scored 19 goals in the regular season and another 10 in the playoffs,” Parsons said. Not to mention, he also provided key assists in games.

“He wasn’t there to pad stats; he was there to tilt the ice, park in front of the net, deliver a timely hit, draw a penalty, and score a greasy goal when no one else could,” Parsons said.

For Parsons, Perry was an important presence from the ice to the locker room. That’s why the Kings getting him from the same Oilers who beat them in the playoffs for four years in a row hurts. And for Stuart Skinner, who has been struggling, this could be a serious issue, as Perry won’t be in blue and orange anymore.

While the Oilers are thinking of replacing Perry with 27-year-old Trent Frederic, Parsons doubts that he can bring the same kind of crunch play during rush plays.

“He didn’t just play minutes, he played moments,” Parsons said.

MORE: Top 10 Largest Contracts Handed Out in 2025 NHL Free Agency Featuring Mitch Marner’s $96M Payday

Perry has been part of the Stanley Cup six times with the likes of Anaheim, Edmonton, Montreal, Dallas, and Tampa Bay. He won the Cup with the Ducks in 2007. With him and Evander Kane now gone, the hard-edged core of the Oilers is gone.

With Brad Marchand getting signed to a six-year deal with the Panthers, Perry’s age wasn’t an issue for the Oilers not to have retained him. Come the 2025-26 season, the Oilers are bound to feel this loss.

More NHL from PFSN

Join the Conversation!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related Articles