“I’ve really had a chance to reflect”: Corey Perry hopes for fresh start with the Oilers

The new man in northern Alberta is ready to take advantage of a second chance this season.

Corey Perry, who was signed to a one-year contract by the Edmonton Oilers on Monday, finds himself hoping to put an end to a tumultuous saga.

The former Stanley Cup champion spoke to the media for the first time after practice on Monday, looking rejuvenated just months after his contract with the Chicago Blackhawks was terminated following an alleged alcohol-fueled incident.

After his contract was terminated, Perry said that he was focused on bettering himself.

“Over the last two months,” Perry told the media. “I’ve really had a chance to reflect, get the help and take full responsibility for what happened in Chicago, and try to better myself.

I have to thank my family, my friends, all the support I’ve gotten from my counselors. From where I was two months ago to where I am today, I think it’s been a world of difference with the help I’ve gotten.”

Perry has shed some light over the past month that he was worked on his mental health. He also made it clear for anyone that feels like they need help to get some.

On the hockey side, the former Dallas Star is ready to join the hottest team in the NHL.

“This is a passionate fan base, it’s an exciting town and an exciting time for the Oilers organization. You look around that room and you have some pretty tremendous players in Connor, Leon, Darnell and the list goes on.”

President of Hockey Operations and General manager Ken Holland admitted this was a move to improve the team come playoff time.

“He brings in a winning pedigree,” Holland said. “I think he’s the type of player that everyone wants on their team.”

Holland confirmed that he spoke with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, along with Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson, along with Oilers’ coach Kris Knoblauch and CEO of hockey ops, Jeff Jackson, prior to signing the 38-year-old.

“Ultimately, in talking to Corey…and the things Corey has gone through these last two months to get to this point to make himself a better person. Between the hockey, what he brings to a hockey team, his winning pedigree and what he’s done over the last couple of months to make himself a better person, we felt this was an opportunity to add a player that could make us better on and off the ice.”

Holland also pointed out that he wanted to sign Perry after the Anaheim Ducks bought him out in 2019.

The former Red Wings GM said that they hope to have Perry in the lineup for the team’s Saturday afternoon matchup with the Nashville Predators.

Perry skated with the Oilers for the first time on Monday, wearing No. 90. He was wearing a blue jersey that the team typically reserves for players in the bottom six.

The Oilers (26-15-1) are riding a franchise-record 13-game win streak. They are third in the Pacific, one point ahead of the fourth-place Los Angeles Kings, and 13 points back of the league-leading Vancouver Canucks.

Edmonton is set to host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night, before welcoming the Blackhawks to Rogers Place on Thursday.