Done in Edmonton: A major development for Corey Perry with the Oilers was just confirmed

Despite a great season with Edmonton, veteran forward Corey Perry now appears like he will leave the team in free agency. After speculation about his intentions came out, multiple insiders now confirm that Perry is preparing to test the open market.

According to Oilers insider Bob Stauffer on OilersNow, Perry is reportedly asking for between $2 million and $2.5 million on his next contract, a price Edmonton is unwilling, and likely unable, to pay, despite trading away Evander Kane yesterday:

The ask is especially surprising given Perry's situation. After signing with the Oilers at a bargain rate last season, he delivered in a big way: 19 goals in the regular season, 81 games played, and an impressive 14 points in the playoffs, including 10 goals, just one behind team leader Leon Draisaitl.

At 40, Perry turned back the clock, proving himself as a clutch scorer and respected locker room leader during Edmonton's Cup Final run. Many fans assumed he would return on another modest deal near the league minimum, seeking one more shot at a championship.

Instead, Perry, who has already made over $94 million in career earnings, seems ready to chase another payday, even if it means uprooting again.

For the Oilers, the timing couldn't be worse. With Evan Bouchard due for a major raise and the salary cap already tight, committing over $2 million to a likely fourth-liner isn't realistic.

As valuable as Perry was this past season, there's a real concern that 2024-25 may not bring the same results.

Simply put, it's not sound cap management. Perry might find a final payday elsewhere, but it won't be in Edmonton.