Corey Perry is three wins away from his second Stanley Cup.
The 40-year-old had the second assist on Leon Draisaitl’s overtime winner in Game 1 against the Florida Panthers, a deft feed to Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, whose dish across the ice found Leon Draisaitl in the perfect spot for his patented one-timer.
By playing in Game 1, Perry became the 19th player in the expansion era (1967 and on) to skate in a Stanley Cup Final game at age 40 or older. He has appeared in six Stanley Cup Finals during his career and has appeared in five of the last six. He also has the most Stanley Cup Finals goals among active skaters with eight.
The milestones keep coming for Perry. Per NHL Public Relations, his sixth Stanley Cup Final appearance is the most among active skaters and he is now seventh (232) on the all-time playoff games played list, passing Guy Carbonneau (231). He is also now fourth on the all-time Stanley Cup Playoffs overtime games played leaderboard (53), passing Zdeno Chara (52).
Before the start of the Cup Final, Perry stated that he never seriously thought of retiring and intends to play a 21st NHL season in 2025-26. He will be a pending UFA this summer.
Most players start to slow down as they reach their mid-30s, but Perry has been able to adapt his game as he ages. His tenacious work around the net is his trademark. After all, he didn’t get nicknamed “The Worm” for no reason.
Many Ducks fans have stated online that they would welcome a return to Anaheim for Perry. What better way for some of the Ducks’ young players to learn how to become better players than from one of the top players in franchise history?
How likely a reunion could or would be is unknown. Would winning the Cup with the Oilers impact that outcome? Also unknown. For now, the focus for Perry is taking things one day—and game—at a time.
Featured image caption: Jun 4, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Corey Perry (90) stands in front of Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) in the third period in game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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