Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin continued his active offseason today by announcing a one-year contract for veteran Corey Perry at an AAV of $750k. The Perry contract comes just five days after Montreal signed another veteran forward in Michael Frolík.
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Expectations for Perry
On the surface, Perry at a low-cost deal makes sense for a lot of teams. But, for the Montreal Canadiens, this is an especially astute move.
First, what you get with Perry is a player that is in the twilight of a Hall of Fame career. After 988 games with the Anaheim Ducks organization, he spent last season with the Stanley Cup finalist Dallas Stars. His first season in Texas was okay – he managed five goals and 16 assists over 57 games.
That said, the Peterborough native matched his regular season goal total and added nine assists in 27 playoff games. Over his career, he has managed 377 goals and 420 assists over 1045 NHL games but it’s this playoff production the Canadiens really want.
What the Canadiens can expect form Perry is a player that can help them win and this team is clearly in win now mode. He has proven that over his entire hockey career including a Memorial Cup (London Knights, 2005), a World Junior Gold Medal (2005), Stanley Cup (Anaheim, 2007), two-time Olympic Gold medalist (2010, 2014), IIHF World Championship gold medal (2016), and finally a World Cup win (2016). An outstanding resume.
At this stage in his career, he is a player that will sporadically contribute during the regular season. That is likely not why Bergevin signed the 36-year-old. This is a player you hire for the playoffs. Not just the playoff season, but also helping a young team figure out what is required each day to reach the playoffs.
His veteran leadership is going to have a massive influence on the culture of this team and as such a great addition for the Canadiens. And a bargain too at $750k.
After signing Perry, the team now has 14 roster forwards heading into the 2020-21 season so they should be done, right? Stay tuned!
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MICHAEL C ZACK
December 28, 2020 at 12:25 pm
WHAT DO THEY CALL IT WHEN YOU DO THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND THEN EXPECT A DIFFERENT OUTCOME? INSANITY. THIS IS JUST BEATING A DEAD HORSE: 5= GOALS AND 10+ ASSISTS….YOU VE GOT TO HAVE SOMEONE IN THE MINORS WHO WILL GIVE YOU THAT AND MORE. OR, JUST HOLD ON TO THE CAP SPACE FOR A FUTURE MOVE……………………… NOTHING TO SEE HERE….MOVE ALONG.
Brian L
December 28, 2020 at 10:16 pm
Agreed The media for some reason seem enamoured with Bergevin and I really don’t see it. Traded away Domi and lost his offensive and tenacious play for an oft injured Anderson, who had what? One goal last year? signed Toffoli who has really had ONE good year offensively. Traded for a number 7 D in Edmunston, now signed a over the hill dirty player who had FIVE GOALS last year. If Price isn’t in Allstar form this team won’t go anywhere. Oh and I almost forgot traded for a backup goalie to spell off a TEN MILLION DOLLAR ONE.
NHL Trade Talk
December 31, 2020 at 12:11 pm
Well Brian, we’re about to find out. There are certainly some who sit on the same side of the fence as yourself and others who believe the Canadiens are the most improved team in hockey. It can’t be both.
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