Why the Leafs need to stay away from Corey Perry in free agency

Corey Perry has had a very successful hockey career. He has 905 points in 1311 GP and won a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2006-07, a Hart Trophy and a Rocket Richard Trophy during his decorate career. However, the pesky winger has had a rough back 9 of his career.

Corey Perry and the Edmonton Oilers are on the verge of elimination, as the Florida Panthers are up 3-0 in the Stanley Cup Finals. For Perry, this would be the 4th time in 5 seasons that he will have lost in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Perry lost in the finals with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021-22, the Montreal Canadians in 2020-21 and the Dallas Stars in 2019-20 previous to his current run with Edmonton.

He only put up 22 points in 54 games this past season. He was also the centre of controversy that saw his contract terminated by the Chicago Blackhawks mid-season, due to an undisclosed issue within the organization.

To make the Stanley cup final in any given season is tough, but to do it 5 times with 5 different teams is truly remarkable, and an NHL record.

Granted, it would be nice just to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals, but for one reason or another, the teams Perry has played for when he got there haven't been able to capitalize in recent years and win when it matters most.

Perry has been linked to the Leafs multiple times across the past several offseasons, but with the feisty veteran being in the twilight of his career, I don't like his chances of helping to lead the Leafs into the deep waters Come playoff time. As a result, I believe the Leafs should continue to do what they've been doing for quite some time when Perry's agent calls. Simply don't pick up the phone.

Source for stats: NHL.com
Corey Perry Stats