According to reports, forward Corey Perry has inked a new deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The new deal is two years in length, with a cost of $1 million per year. Kevin Weekes was first to report the news, with Frank Seravalli confirming the cost and term.
Corey Perry #GoBolts: 2 years x $1 million.@DFOHockey
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 29, 2021
Lightning Sign Corey Perry
After being defeated by the Lightning in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, Perry will be making a jump a Tampa Bay team that is looking for a natural hat trick of Stanley Cup rings. Perry appears to be fully embracing the “if you can’t beat them, join them” mantra.
Perry will be entering his 17th year in the NHL, after spending several years with the Anaheim Ducks. He was a dominant force throughout his time with the Ducks, establishing himself as one of the premier agitators in the league. He won his first and only Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007.
Following a buyout in 2019, Perry made a couple of stops in Dallas and Montreal where he resurrected his career as a veteran presence who can effectively bolster the bottom half of the lineup on good, playoff-bound teams.
His most recent stint with the Canadiens was impressive. Through 49 games last season, he put up nine goals and 21 points, averaging just under 14 minutes of ice time a night. In the playoffs, Perry played a big role for the Canadiens, with four goals and 10 points in 22 games.
What This Means Going Forward
The Lightning continue their pattern of astute moves by picking up Perry. At a cost of $1 million, Perry will provide great value to a Lightning team in desperate need of contributors on cheap deals.
The past two years have shown that the 36-year-old has plenty left in the tank. He has played significant roles on two teams that went on deep playoff runs. The Lightning have obviously liked what they have seen in Perry. General manager Julien Brisebois thinks that he can add to an already stacked group of talented forwards.
Perry will slot immediately into the team’s bottom-six and could see a bit of time on the powerplay. Tampa look destined to make a legitimate run at a third straight Cup. Perry should be poised to play a significant part in that effort.
Main Photo:
OTTAWA, ON – APRIL 01: Montreal Canadiens Right Wing Corey Perry (94) sets up in front of Ottawa Senators Goalie Filip Gustavsson (32) during third period National Hockey League action between the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators on April 1, 2021, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
