Corey Perry Shocks Everyone: Playing With McDavid & Draisaitl Wasn’t “Hockey”… It Was Surviving
At 40 years old, Corey Perry is used to dealing with pressure, but what he recently shared about last year’s playoffs with the Edmonton Oilers is causing a stir in the hockey community. Fans thought he’d talk about the team spirit or share some fond memories, but instead, Perry offered a raw and honest look at what it really means to keep up with stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
And it wasn’t pretty.
Perry mentioned that playing next to the Oilers’ two amazing players wasn’t just difficult; it felt like a mental battle. “It’s hard,” he said, “because you have to think quicker than they do. They already understand their next move before making it.” This statement is stirring conversations all over. Did Perry just spotlight how unrealistic the expectations can be for anyone teaming up with Edmonton’s top stars?
He further explained that it wasn’t the actual “hockey” part that was hard, but rather the continuous mental struggle to predict plays before the puck even reached a stick. “You need to see the play before they receive the puck,” he stated. “That’s where it gets tough… it’s about understanding the situations and the game. ”
For fans, this quote seems to show respect — for critics, it might sound like a quiet warning: playing with McDavid and Draisaitl is not for the weak. And for some, it raises a larger question: is Edmonton’s top-heavy strategy pushing older players to their limits?
However, Perry, who is known for his tough endurance, made it clear that his understanding of the game is what helped him endure it. And he’s not wrong. While speed may decrease, smart thinking stays sharp.
One thing is for sure: these comments will ignite intense discussions about whether McDavid and Draisaitl help other players improve… or just leave them out of breath.
This part of Perry’s career might be wrapping up — but the debate is just beginning.
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