For many players, that would have been the end. But not for Corey Perry.
Canadian supporters will reconnect this Saturday evening with an attacker they know well. Even though he spent only one season in Montreal, the veteran left a strong impression behind him. In the locker room, where he took young teammates like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki under his wing. And among the public, who have not forgotten his inspired performances in the 2021 playoffs.
Having left for Tampa, Perry had a two-part stay under the Florida sun. A fantastic first season, in which he scored 19 goals. Then a second catastrophic one.
In 2022-2023, the winger experienced the lowest offensive production of his long career. His ice time has melted down to his rookie year numbers. And his differential of -28 was among the worst in the NHL.
Experiencing your worst moments at age 37 is possibly the worst scenario for a professional athlete. Now, at the risk of repeating myself, another chance awaited Corey Perry. Immediately after drafting Connor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks acquired him in exchange for a seventh round pick and immediately gave him a generous four million contract for one year.
Clearly, however, Perry did not move to the Windy City to deliver a series of lectures on his illustrious career.
“He’s the first one to arrive at the arena every morning,” said head coach Luke Richardson on Saturday morning. When the others arrive, he’s already on the stationary bike warming up. He gives himself the chance to play in this league at 38 and still be an important contributor. »
You have to believe that he does, in fact, still have hockey to give. He collected two assists in his first game in his new uniform. And as he is employed on the first numerical advantage unit, notably with Connor Bedard, other points should follow. At his club’s morning training on Saturday, he was at his post during the five-on-four drill: both feet screwed straight in front of the goalkeeper.
“I love playing with him, he’s so intelligent,” said Jason Dickinson, his designated center player. Any player must know how to use their strengths. His is to control the puck deep in opposing territory and to work in restricted space. He’s been doing it for so long that he knows all the little games that younger kids might miss. »
“We see very quickly how much he knows how to play the game,” added Kevin Korchinski, who has just played the first two matches of his career.
“He’s in the right place all the time,” the 19-year-old defender continued. We understand why he produced throughout his career. »
The fact remains that Perry’s most important contribution to his team is “intangible,” admitted Luke Richardson.
“He does a lot of little things on the bench. Throughout the match, he makes sure the guys are ready for the changes, and he tells them if they aren’t. He talks to the referees after each whistle, but without shouting, so they listen to him. The guys see how he behaves, how he prepares. He’s a pro, and he’s a winner. We can never say it enough. »
Jason Dickinson knew Perry with the Dallas Stars, at a time when the veteran was looking for the same kind of new lease of life as today. Perry’s last season with the Anaheim Ducks, the team that drafted him in 2003, was very painful, to the point where the organization bought out his contract in the summer of 2019.
In Texas, he found his bearings on the ice and accompanied the Stars to the Stanley Cup final.
Four years later, Dickinson sees Perry experiencing the same kind of rebirth. And he sees it having the same immediate effect on his teammates.
“His presence is strong, he immediately integrated into the group,” noted the 28-year-old striker. He’s so calm, it’s soothing. And even if he’s not the loudest, he makes everyone laugh. »
“He’s a really good person,” confirmed Kevin Korchinski. He’s not intimidating at all. »
It remains to be seen if the Canadian players will have the same opinion if they risk mishandling Connor Bedard. Or any of his teammates, really. If anything, Corey Perry might have a slightly less calming effect.
