July 29, 2021Updated 1:57 PM EDT
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The Tampa Bay Lightning are signing forward Corey Perry to a two-year deal, a source confirms to The Athletic.
Perry played for the Canadiens last season, helping Montreal reach the Stanley Cup Final where they lost to the Bolts in five games. The forward had nine goals and 12 assists last year for 21 points. The 28th pick in the 2003 NHL Draft, Perry spent 14 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks and one season with the Dallas Stars.
He helped the Ducks win the Stanley Cup in 2007 and was named an All-Star in 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2016.
(Photo: Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)
What does Perry have left to offer?
Joe Smith, Lightning beat writer: Perry’s skating isn’t what it used to be, but he is still capable of being a valuable, bottom-six contributor and dressing room presence.
He can agitate, create chances in the dirty areas (31 points in 71 regular season and playoff games last year) and brings a lot of leadership. He’s won a Cup in 2007 with Anaheim and has been to back-to-back Cup finals, losing both to Tampa. Considering the price — at $1 million AAV — Perry is good value for a Cup contender that lost its entire third line. Imagine Perry and Pat Maroon together.
Where does he fit with the Lightning?
Smith: The Cup champs had planned on filling in their bottom six with young forwards, but by adding Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Perry, there’s a lot more experience and grit there.
Perry can play on the third or fourth line (maybe Maroon, Bellemare and Perry?). The Lightning lost some personalities in Yanni Gourde, Barclay Goodrow and Blake Coleman, but Perry will add a colorful character in the room.
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