Chicago Blackhawks: Going after Corey Perry is a bad idea
The Chicago Blackhawks have turned over a lot of their roster from the run of three Cups in six years so adding a declining forward might not be smart.
The Chicago Blackhawks have had an interesting offseason so far. They drafted Kirby Dach with the third overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, traded for defenseman Olli Maatta, and traded for defenseman Calvin de Haan. They were clearly interested in improving their blue line and adding some depth up front.
Now, it appears that they want to add a top-six forward specifically. There are lots of them out there waiting to be signed and some of them will require a decent contract. A guy who has shown no sign of slowing down but can add some veteran skill is the way to go if the price is right.
That is probably not the case for former Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry. They bought him out because of his extreme decline but he was making a lot of money for his production. He likely won’t be looking for all that much once he does find a team to sign with, but it doesn’t make much sense for the Blackhawks.
Now, let’s be clear about something. Corey Perry is one of the best players in Anaheim Ducks history. His resume speaks for itself. A Stanley Cup Champion in 2007, a Hart Trophy as the MVP of the league in 2011 to go with the Rocket Richard Trophy as the leagues leading goal scorer, a four-time NHL All-Star, and a six-time team champion including two Olympic Gold Medals.
In 988 games he has 372 goals and 404 assists for 776 points. He has had an incredible career. The reason why I don’t think he would fit in Chicago is at this point in his career he isn’t what they need in a winger. He would be a great third line winger on a cheap contract and if that is all the Hawks would want from him then go for it, but as a top-six forward to be on one of Jonathan Toews or Dylan Strome’s line doesn’t really seem like a fit.
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There are also some injury concerns for Perry as he has had some trouble being healthy in recent years. That could also be why he has fallen off as far as production so maybe if he came in healthy he would prove me wrong and be awesome. Perry has been an incredible player in his career, I just think he would be better suited as a depth forward on a team closer to a Stanley Cup contender.