Edmonton Oilers face an interesting decision in waiving Corey Perry

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Ryan Hall
September 30, 2024 (7:51)

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With the Edmonton Oilers training camp ending soon, team management and the coaching staff may be facing a decision on whether to waive Corey Perry prior to the season beginning.

The reasoning behind this idea is that two Oilers prospects are making a very strong case to making the team who are Noah Philp and Raphael Lavoie.

Both rookies have been making noise and turning heads during the last couple of games and it begs the question whether the Oilers should consider waving Perry who's 39 years old to allow Phlip who is 26 and Lavoie at 24 to grow their game with the big club.

Philp had taken a year off from the game of hockey as he worked through some personal issues and felt it was time to step away. Prior to his leaving the game, he was third in scoring with the Bakersfield Condors, and it appears that that scoring touch is coming back with a goal to tie the game against the Kraken. He has also looked comfortable and poised which gives plenty of evidence for him to remain with the team on opening night.

Lavoie, had received the message from management that he had to improve his style over the summer which included becoming larger. The message was received loud and clear as he now stands at six foot 4 and 216 lbs.

The Oilers have had high hopes for him as he was drafted in 2019, in the second round 38th overall and many had thought that he would make the team a few years ago but it has yet to materialize. Given the situation, it's likely he could be on the main club at the beginning of this season as he has given the evidence that he has improved.

Of course, many feel that Perry would need to stay with the Oilers as he has extensive leadership qualities that would be felt off the ice and make the team stronger. But with the recent report that the Oilers are now the oldest team based on average age and the fact that they need to help their cap space as Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid will need an extension shortly.

Time will tell on what management will do and it will be a fascinating ending to this training camp but my gut feels that the Oilers will stick with Perry and send both to the Bakersfield condors before opening night.