Could Corey Perry be a last resort UFA option for the Rangers
After 14 seasons, Corey Perry is on his way out of Anaheim as the Ducks announced that they have finalized buyout proceedings with the veteran forward.
Perry’s career with the Ducks included a 98 point season that saw him win the Maurice Richard Trophy, notching 50 goals. Perry was also a consistent playoff performer, including a postseason in which he scored 15 points in 21 games en route to a Stanley Cup Championship.
Perry’s career so far also includes a Hart Trophy. He used to be a complete nightmare on the ice and, while his play has declined, I wonder if a fresh start could help him.
Does Perry make sense for the Rangers
I’m not at all saying the Rangers should go out and sign the 34-year-old, but it’s an interesting thought. The Rangers could always use a solid veteran. Following the trades of Kevin Hayes and Mats Zuccarello, this team is very young. And, Chris Kreider may be on his way out too.
If the Rangers can sign Perry to a very cheap contract, it may not be the worst idea. Perry could still provide some scoring punch, as well as much needed mentoring to the young forwards.
It’s hard to imagine that Perry will sign a contract as cheap as what the Rangers would want him for, given his successful past. But if there isn’t a lot of takers on the market and the Rangers strike out on the UFA market, it could be an option.
Fitting Perry In
I can see Perry fitting very well on a line with Filip Chytil. Both of them have quality passing skills as well as the ability to finish plays. But to be clear, Perry to the Rangers should, for all intents and purposes, be a last resort. There are plenty of better investments the Blueshirts can make in free agency. But if all else fails, Perry at a very cheap cost on a short-term contract (1-2 years) would not be the worst thing in the world.
The Rangers will be looking to ship off several players this offseason, including potentially Jimmy Vesey and Vladislav Namestnikov. I don’t think it would behoove Jeff Gorton to replace these contracts with one of an aging former star. But, if he can provide leadership and still be a productive scorer, then why not go for it at the right cost. We’ll see how things shape up, but I wouldn’t count on the Rangers going after Perry.
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