With a longer off-season than we’ve been used to over the last couple of years for the Edmonton Oilers, it gives us more time to explore lineup fits for the 2026–27 campaign, and a familiar, grizzled vet might be available once free agency opens.

Hockey insider Pierre LeBrun mentioned in a recent article in The Athletic that former Oilers forward Corey Perry told him last month, while the Tampa Bay Lightning were still in the playoffs, that he’s not quite ready to hang up the skates yet, saying, “I still want to continue to play.” LeBrun followed up with Perry’s agent last week and confirmed again that he still wants to play next season if there’s a fit somewhere that makes sense for him, and LeBrun also noted that a return to Tampa Bay is not likely.

Perry played in 119 regular-season games and 41 playoff games with the Oilers from 2023–2025, making an impact in his short time with the team. After the 2025 playoffs, Perry expressed his desire to re-sign in Edmonton, but eventually signed with the Los Angeles Kings on a one-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $2 million, along with up to an additional $2 million in performance bonuses, before being traded to Tampa Bay at the trade deadline.

Now Perry is set to become an unrestricted free agent once the 2025-26 season completes. The former Hart Trophy winner scored 17 goals in 72 regular-season games last season and still wants to play, which naturally raises the question of whether the “fit” is right in Edmonton, and if the Oilers should bring him back into the fold.

What could Perry add to the Oilers’ lineup?

Perry’s wheels have slowed over the years, but the 41-year-old could still bring a lot to the table.

To start, with his winning pedigree at every level — including a Stanley Cup and Olympic gold — he could bring veteran leadership that would take some of the load off Connor McDavid and Leon........

© Oilers Nation