NHL Free Agency: Dallas Stars to Sign Corey Perry

ST. PAUL, MN - FEBRUARY 19: Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates his 3rd period goal during a game with the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center on February 19, 2019 in St. Paul, Minnesota.(Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)
ST. PAUL, MN - FEBRUARY 19: Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates his 3rd period goal during a game with the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center on February 19, 2019 in St. Paul, Minnesota.(Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)

All signs indicate that Corey Perry is going to sign with the Dallas Stars on a one year, $1.5 million deal once NHL free agency begins.

Corey Perry is set to sign with the Dallas Stars on a one year, $1.5 million deal when free agency opens up on July 1st (first reported by Frank Seravalli). The 34-year-old forward is coming off a 14-year tenure with the Anaheim Ducks after he was bought out this offseason.

In 988 NHL games played, Perry has registered 372 goals, 404 assists, and 1,110 penalty minutes. While spending his whole 14 years in the NHL with the Ducks, he was able to win a Stanley Cup (2007), make the NHL All-Star game four times (2008, 2011, 2012 and 2016), win the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy (2011), and win the Hart Memorial Trophy (2011).

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The Stars seem to be loading up on veteran forwards this offseason as they are linked to signing Joe Pavelski and now Perry.  While the latter is older, he can still be a great asset to a team like the Stars.

Perry’s last two seasons in Anaheim were a slight drop-off statistically, compared to previous years, due to injuries. However, the Ducks felt that his production for the term and amount of his contract were not sufficient, thus resulting in them buying him out.

The 6’3” center looks to be in good health going into next season and now he has motivation to show why Anaheim was wrong to buy him out. On a team blended with young and seasoned players, Perry will provide a valuable presence in the Stars’ lineup.

Staying in the Western Conference, Perry will know what to expect and will have plenty of opportunities to showcase himself against Anaheim. Overall, the Stars got Perry for a fantastic price and decent term.

It will be interesting to see where Perry will sit in the Stars’ lineup and on their special teams. Regardless, by adding Perry to the team, the Stars easily upgraded their roster and help strengthen themselves for next season.