Breaking News: Corey Perry Officially Announces His Retirement From Professional Hockey at Age 40, Concluding a Storied NHL Career Spanning Over Two Decades With Iconic Moments, Stanley Cup Glory, Olympic Gold, and a Resilient Late-Career Stint With the Edmonton Oilers—The Veteran Winger Leaves the Ice for the Final Time as One of the Game’s Most..Read more
Hockey fans across the globe are pausing today to honor a true legend of the ice. Corey Perry, one of the most decorated and determined players of his generation, has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey at age 40. The veteran winger, known for his physicality, clutch performances, and leadership, ends a remarkable career that spanned over two decades and was filled with championship glory, iconic international triumphs, and an unforgettable final run with the Edmonton Oilers.
Born in Peterborough, Ontario, and raised in London, Corey Perry’s hockey journey began in the Canadian minor leagues before he rose to stardom with the London Knights of the OHL. His talent, intensity, and goal-scoring instincts led to him being selected 28th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2003 NHL Draft.
He made his NHL debut in the 2005–06 season and quickly became a fan favorite in Anaheim with his gritty play and scoring touch. In 2007, just his second full season, Perry helped lead the Ducks to their first-ever Stanley Cup, beginning what would become a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
Perry’s prime came during the 2010–11 season when he led the NHL with 50 goals and captured the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. That same year, he was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player. With his combination of skill, size, and a relentless will to win, Perry had firmly established himself among the league’s elite.
Throughout his 14 seasons with the Ducks, Perry recorded over 400 goals and became one of only a few players in franchise history to top 1,000 games. His legacy in Anaheim is cemented not only by his stats but by his impact as a leader and clutch performer.
Corey Perry was also a standout on the international stage. Representing Canada, he won two Olympic gold medals (2010 in Vancouver and 2014 in Sochi), a World Championship (2016), and a World Cup of Hockey title (2016). These accomplishments make him one of the few players in the exclusive “Triple Gold Club”—those who have won a Stanley Cup, an Olympic gold medal, and a World Championship.
He served as captain of Team Canada at the 2016 IIHF World Championship and was praised for his leadership, professionalism, and unmatched competitive spirit.
In the final stretch of his career, Perry refused to fade away quietly. He signed short-term deals with contenders like the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, and Tampa Bay Lightning, helping all three teams reach the Stanley Cup Final between 2020 and 2022. Though he fell just short of another title, his role as a veteran presence and playoff warrior became his signature during these years.
In 2024, he joined the Edmonton Oilers for what would become his final NHL season. There, he embraced a mentor role, helping guide young stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl deep into the playoffs. Though the team fell in the conference finals, Perry’s leadership and locker room presence were widely credited for helping shape the Oilers’ winning culture.
In his official retirement statement, Perry wrote:
> “It’s time. I’ve poured my heart into this game for over 20 years, and it’s given me more than I ever dreamed. Thank you to my family, my teammates, my coaches, and the fans who supported me every step of the way.
Tributes from around the hockey world quickly poured in. Teammates, opponents, coaches, and fans celebrated Perry as a competitor, a champion, and a beloved figure in the sport.
Corey Perry walks away from the NHL as a Stanley Cup champion, a league MVP, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and a true example of perseverance and heart. Whether hated by rivals or loved by fans, Perry earned respect across the league for his toughness, dedication, and passion for the game.
His name will undoubtedly be part of Hall of Fame discussions in the coming years. For now, Corey Perry leaves the game as one of hockey’s most enduring and impactful players of the 21st century—a legac
y that will inspire generations to come.