NHL teams
ESPN News Services 3y

Veteran Corey Perry signs 2-year deal with Tampa Bay Lightning

NHL, Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens

Veteran forward Corey Perry has signed a $2 million, two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, it was announced Thursday.

The 36-year-old Perry, who won the Cup with Anaheim Ducks in 2007, is joining the Lightning after losing to them in the Stanley Cup Final each of the past two seasons. Perry was with Dallas Stars in 2020 and Montreal Canadiens this past season.

General manager Julien BriseBois said Wednesday that he expected to be done making moves, but "if something falls onto our lap that makes sense and improves our team and we can find a way to squeeze it in, we're certainly open to exploring that.''

He did just that with Perry, who brings more grit to the Lightning, who are expected to use the long-term injury exemption again like they did last season.

"We are excited to add Corey today, who brings with him a wealth of big game experience to the Lightning," BriseBois said. "He will be an excellent addition to the lineup and we are thrilled to add another high-character player to our group who can contribute to the organization's overall depth."

Tampa Bay lost forward Barclay Goodrow and Blake Coleman and defenseman David Savard in free agency and center Yanni Gourde in the expansion draft.

BriseBois showed the desire to replenish some of that lost toughness in signing free agents Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Zach Bogosian.

Perry has played 16 years in the NHL, his first 14 with Anaheim. He has 386 goals and 818 points during his career, with 1,219 penalty minutes and a +70 rating.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

^ Back to Top ^