Corey Perry’s Absence Felt as Oilers Struggle Early
The Edmonton Oilers have just wrapped up their first ten games of the season, and it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Statistically, a 4-4-2 start isn’t terrible, but anyone watching closely can see that the team hasn’t really found its rhythm. There have been flashes—like that late third-period push against the Vancouver Canucks or a brief scoring surge against the Montreal Canadiens—but overall, consistency has been missing. Head coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t mince words when he said, “they aren’t playing very good hockey.”
Part of the challenge this season comes down to roster changes. Several key depth veterans have moved on, leaving gaps that the young and new players are still trying to fill. Integrating rookies and new faces is always tricky, and the Oilers are feeling that growing pain. Naturally, fans are starting to wonder: which former Oiler could have helped steady the ship?
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Corey Perry immediately comes to mind. The veteran forward missed the start of the season after a bizarre accident during an informal skate, but once he returned with the Los Angeles Kings, he picked up right where he left off in Edmonton. In just four games, Perry has two goals and three points. His ability to produce in limited minutes, combined with his feistiness and versatility, shows exactly what the Oilers are missing. Regardless of age, Perry continues to find the net and can be plugged anywhere in a lineup—a quality this struggling Edmonton team could surely use.
Other former forwards have also made an impact with their new teams. Connor Brown, now with the New Jersey Devils, has lit it up with five goals and six points in nine games. Beyond the stat sheet, Brown has impressed with his leadership and locker room presence—something the Oilers could use given the current lack of cohesion. Evander Kane, despite not scoring yet for the Vancouver Canucks, remains a physical force whose presence was missed, especially on plays like the hit that sidelined Alec Regula. Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner are also producing in their new environments, showing that the Oilers let some talent slip through their fingers.
All of this highlights a bigger story: the Oilers’ offensive struggles aren’t just about stats; they’re about chemistry, experience, and the ability to respond in key moments. Missing players like Corey Perry, who bring both skill and leadership, is being felt more than ever. As the season moves forward, Edmonton will need others to step up—or the gap left by these former forwards will continue to shape the team’s fortunes.
Right now, fans can only hope that the lessons from the first ten games help the Oilers adjust quickly, and perhaps, rekindle the spark that veterans like Perry brought to the lineup.
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