Corey Perry reveals emotional reason behind possible 21st NHL season

Corey Perry is one of the oldest active players in the National Hockey League (NHL). The 40-year-old is playing his 20th season and his second with the Stanley Cup finalists Edmonton Oilers.

What did Corey Perry say about his possible 21st NHL season?

While many players of his age consider about retiring to spend time with their loved ones, Perry has no plans of retiring and eyes on playing his 21st season in the sport. When he was asked about his retirement, Perry said it's not something that he thinks about and those thoughts are far away from his mind.

“It’s just not in me to think about it; there are other things that I love doing,” he said via NHL. “I love playing, I love being around the room and I don’t think that’s going to come to my head anytime soon."

One of the biggest reason for Corey Perry to continue playing is his son, Griffin, who is passionate about hockey. Perry's drive to keep playing is because of his desire to give his son Griffin the chance to touch the Stanley Cup, a goal he wants to achieve for his son.

He knows everybody in the League; he knows what positions they play, who’s leading scorer, all the things because he’s watching the highlights every morning and playing mini-sticks before school, Perry added. This is why I’m still playing, too, is to have him have an opportunity to touch the Stanley Cup. It’s something that I want to give him.

Corey Perry was drafted No. 28 by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2003 NHL draft. He won the prestigious Stanley Cup in 2007 with the Ducks, before his son was born.

Corey Perry wants to improve his challenging record in Stanley Cup finals

Corey Perry will be playing his second consecutive Stanley Cup Finals with the Edmonton Oilers and his sixth overall. Despite his numerous appearances, the veteran has faced challenges as he has lost four of his last five Stanley Cup Finals.

He won the Stanley Cup with Anaheim Ducks in 2007 but was on the receiving end in his other four appearances (2020 with Dallas Stars, 2021 with Montreal Canadiens, 2022 with Tampa Bay Lightning and 2024 with Edmonton Oilers).

Perry will be looking to improve his 1-4 Stanley Cup Final record when Edmonton Oilers lock horns against the Florida Panthers. Game 1 will be played on Wednesday at the Rogers Place.