The Corey Perry Void: Did the Oilers Blink First?

The view from the Rogers Place press box on Tuesday night was an expensive one. As the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Nashville Predators, nearly $7.5 million in active salary sat upstairs in suits. Andrew Mangiapane and Trent Frederic—the two biggest bets of the Oilers’ summer—were healthy scratches. For a franchise in a desperate “win-now” window, seeing Frederic’s massive eight-year, $30.8 million contract sitting in the rafters instead of patrolling the paint is a tough pill to swallow. It’s a glaring reminder of the hole left behind when the front office let a specific veteran walk last July.

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The “Worm” is Feasting in LA

When Corey Perry signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the rival Los Angeles Kings, critics claimed he was washed. At 40, they figured his legs were gone; no longer an effective player. The reality? Perry is laughing all the way to the scoresheet. Through 34 games, he has racked up 9 goals and 21 points. He isn’t just surviving; he is, arguably, a major part of the Kings’ heartbeat. Should fans be surprised? 

Perry has found a fit wherever he’s gone and in whatever role he’s been asked to play. Whether as a non-regular who offers experience on the fourth line or someone who fills in on the top line, Perry finds a way to contribute. He embraces the role and the opportunity, making the most of them.

Identity Crisis in Edmonton

Edmonton’s gamble was that Trent Frederic could provide that same “sandpaper” with more youth—13 years younger than Perry. It hasn’t happened; three points in 41 games. Writing for Yahoo Sports on January 6, Gerry Moddejonge didn’t hold back when discussing both Mangiapane and Frederic: 

“There doesn’t appear to be any future here for Mangiapane… and what are the chances Frederic’s story in Edmonton ends in anything other than a buyout?” 

Edmonton Coach Kris Knoblauch seems to have reached his breaking point, too. He explained to reporters: 

“They haven’t played as we’ve expected, and I think that there is more for them to give us.”

The Hard Truth

Love him or hate him, Corey Perry fit the Oilers’ DNA like a glove. He brought a nasty, net-front presence that Frederic simply hasn’t matched. Looking in the mirror, the Oilers have to ask: Did we get blinded by “potential” and “age” while, arguably, letting the actual heart and soul of the recent back-to-back Stanley Cups runs walk away?

The stats are clear. Edmonton, however, didn’t just lose a roster player—when considering multiple variables connected to Corey Perry’s game, they seem to have lost their edge.

Next: Host Scoffs at Maple Leafs and Oilers Problem-for-Problem Trade