UFA Forward Corey Perry Officially Set To Return To NHL Action

It looks like veteran forward Corey Perry will be making a swift return to the NHL following his departure from the Chicago Blackhawks in November. While details about the incident that led to his departure remain unclear, it appears that teams are keen on securing the services of the veteran player.

NHL insider Mike Johnson, speaking on the Got Yer Back podcast, shared his expectation that Perry would receive multiple offers and could potentially be back in the NHL within the next 10 days. Another insider, Pierre LeBrun, echoed this sentiment, indicating that there is definite interest, and he anticipates Perry signing with a team before the March 8th deadline.

LeBrun acknowledged the ongoing investigation into the incident and the challenges of obtaining the full story due to privacy concerns. However, he emphasized that teams are carefully considering their options.

Addressing concerns about potential media backlash, especially in markets like Canada, Johnson downplayed the idea, suggesting that clubs such as the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, or Vancouver Canucks would likely not hesitate to offer Perry a contract.

Perry, at 38 years old, recently met with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who granted him permission to sign with any team. Despite the termination of his contract with the Blackhawks, Perry had not been officially banned from participating. His on-ice performance with the Blackhawks showcased four goals and nine points in 16 games, contributing to his impressive 19-year career that includes 892 points in 1273 games and three Stanley Cup finals appearances.