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Oilers’ Corey Perry Reveals Career Plans After Son’s Premature Comments

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 7:12 AM ET

Edmonton Oilers veteran Corey Perry is preparing for his sixth Stanley Cup Final appearance as the Canadian franchise gets ready for a rematch against the Florida Panthers.

According to Perry, this won't be his last shot at a championship, as long as he can get to another finals next season.

The 40-year-old forward confirmed on Tuesday that he plans to play a 21st season in 2025–26, extending a career that began when the Anaheim Ducks selected him with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2003 NHL draft.

Perry’s announcement comes just over two weeks after his son, Griffin, casually hinted at a possible timeline for his father’s retirement during an interview with Sportsnet's Colby Armstrong.

Asked about Leon Draisaitl’s joking claim that Perry could play until 50, Griffin answered with, "My mom says one more year."

"This is why I'm still playing, to have him get an opportunity to feel & touch the Stanley Cup."

Corey Perry is joined by his son Griffin as the #Oilers participated in Stanley Cup Final Media Day.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/LIqRtzBe8s
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 3, 2025

At the time, Perry smiled and deflected, calling it a "pretty nice compliment" from Draisaitl and noting that his "boots may not be there."

Speaking to media members on Tuesday, hours before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, Perry removed all doubt about his plans and confirmed his son's intel.

"I’ve never seriously thought about retiring, and I won’t be doing that this summer," Perry said. "I intend to play a 21st NHL season in 2025–26."

Perry joined the Oilers midway through last season after a brief stint in Chicago ended with his contract being terminated after appearing in just 16 Blackhawks games.

The veteran re-signed with Edmonton and inked a one-year deal last summer worth $1.15 million. He went on to score 19 goals and 30 points in 81 regular-season games.

Perry has added seven more goals and 10 total points in the playoffs through 16 games and is expected to feature in the Oilers' top forward line due to Zach Hyman’s season-ending injury.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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