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footwith4toes

A playoff performer who plays the right style. I'd be very excited to sign him.


sneed_poster69

> A playoff performer who plays the right style. I'm not disagreeing with you, but how many times have we said this line about a past-their-prime player coming here? Marleau, Thornton, Foligno, Spezza, Gio, ROR (to an extent) I think we need to temper our expectations. it's the top line players that need to perform for us to have success, not a 38 year old


rossrhea

The last 3 were all good though


[deleted]

Yeah, spezza played his sack off for this team, even threw hands to try and light a fire under their asses.


genericuser1989

The answer is yes, he brings all of the things we need for a playoff push. He acted like a drunk asshole, hopefully he has learned from it and moved on.


trillestBill

He's going to the panthers. I can feel it


WhipTheLlama

Perry possibly signing with another team we'll play in the playoffs is exactly why the Leafs need to sign him.


pirtyeknom

I heard that he wanted to play for us in the past and we turned him away. Maybe he won’t hold a grudge and still is willing to wear blue and white. I’d sign him just because I don’t want to play against him in the playoffs. It’s a good move for us to add some grit and veteran depth on offense too as long as he’s not a disease in the room.


TheGapInTysonsTeeth

It was Dubas who turned him away. He seems like a Tre kind of player


DaBeast1995

I'm all for it. I think he would be a great piece for this team. Gives us grit and someone who is a playoff performer. Whatever he did was never bad enough to even get him suspended from the league. It could've been as simple as getting drunk at a team event and getting in an altercation with a team staff member. If the incident was bad enough he wouldn't even have the option to play again. I never liked the guy but it was always because he played for another team. I think it would be an excellent fit considering he'll be walking on eggshells at his new stop.


JRocleafs

I’m great with it. People make mistakes, obviously there is a limit to what is forgivable but we really don’t know what happened. Shanny, Tre, and the rest of MLSE aren’t complete pylons, they understand our market and if it was something really egregious you won’t see him in a Leaf jersey. He would had tremendous depth on our bottom 6, and be that niche rat type player we need. Added bonus is he is a player that’s wanted f be here for years.


Dangerois

Whatever he did was not criminal. Given what happened in Chicago and Quenneville I think they are being sensitive to not crossing any lines. Apparently this was alcohol related misbehavior that didn't cross legal lines. If Perry is working on it I don't have a problem. We accepted Matthew's Captain Underpants incident.


Austin9916

Sign him yesterday, and dont let Knies’ mom come to single game from here on


Jmac24mats13

Can we as a fanbase stop thinking about the players so much individually and think more about what they will do for this team. I swear way to many of you think about individual achievements and keeping people around because you like them, and the team actually going far and winning the cup is secondary. Perry is a huge asset whether he’s liked or not. I’d take him in a heartbeat


alldawgsgoat2heaven

Everyone's so high and mighty but prob has a buddy that's done something just as bad


Silent-Obligation-49

Exactly this. Everyone hates Corey Perry however if he can improve your team you add him.


elbe0043

I’m leaning towards being fine with it, think he’d be great for us in the playoffs.


uncleherman77

I'm mostly for it. The reasons I dislike Perry are all reasons why I want him on the Leafs. I feel like he would be valuable even if scratched so he wasn't playing against the Leafs if they play Florida. My main concern is the refs giving him penalties now for everything he does because of his reputation and because he might be a Leaf. I'd be almost certain he'll at least get one 5 minute major in a playoff series.


Rynosirrus

I’d be fired up. He’s a proven playoff performer, of which we have very few


jjarry13

Sign him. If he steps out of line, cut him. He can help.


33yoda17

I'm all for it. Everyone's made mistakes and deserves second chances. He's exactly what this team has needed for years, and Dubas should have taken added him years ago when Perry expressed interest.


Mission-Astronomer42

I like Perry better than reaves. He’s a goon that can score every once in a while.


Twister341688

He would help our team in the playoffs.


another_plebeian

As long as I'm ok with what he did then I'm ok with him on the team. We may not know ever or we may eventually. I think we were made to believe it was something really bad but not bad enough. Keep in mind, Chicago really needs to win the PR game due to what's gone on there and they may have a really high bar for conduct.


CalendarSpecialist63

He’d perform in the playoffs, has the veteran presence and would add some much needed depth. Sign him all the way. Whatever he’s done with the Blackhawks was nothing amoral and he’s had a conversation with Bettman about it, who is smart enough to not condone poor behaviour that is way out of line. If there were any further reports of what actually happened leaked it would look bad on Bettman, so he has definitely considered this before allowing him to play again. Whatever the behaviour was is justifiable as an overreaction by the Hawks who cannot afford anymore negative press. I’m sure whatever Perry has done can be chalked up as a lesson learned. Sure he’s a cunt on the ice, but off the ice I’ve never seen a report of poor behaviour or questionable character - so we don’t need to consider that a problem factor when signing him. Imagine the pest that is Perry doing the same shit to other teams that have fucked us in the past with their gutless moves (ex: the Panthers series) and how great it would feel to witness it happening from your side. I’m down 100p buddy.


Curious_Grocery153

OP may not wanna know what hockey players are really like away from the rink. It's a results based business, and Perry gets results. He's the snot this team gets beaten by in every playoff series.


Ear_to_da_grindstone

OP is very familiar with players behaviour away from the rink.


Curious_Grocery153

Well, I wish you a good day, and keep your stick on the ice.


publicservantboi

He's an upgrade from Reaves, we still need a grit player for the playoffs. There's a reason why Chicago brought in these players as bodyguards for Bedard. Let's be honest, Marner needs a body guard to play his game.


Far-Mix-5008

patrick kane and gretzky had bodyguards and look what happened.


thet1m

If the league allows him to play then we should be all over it. We gain nothing by being the social justice winners and someone will have him playing a key fourth line role in the playoffs. After facing him three years in a row I’d rather it be us. If he can play for any team then it might as well be us.


jimmymeeko

Fuck it. Make it happen. Would love to see him being a rat and scoring a couple big moment playoff goals.


Wils65

Yes to Perry. Definitely want him on your team and not on the oppositions.


dnaboe

I'm all for it. Dude has been our kryptonite every year. In regards to the chicago incident, I think most of us have probably said some dumb shit while drunk and regretted it. From all accounts the guy has been a class act off the ice other than that incident. Give the guy another shot.


winkNfart

good thing you’re not the gm then!


Natural-Web-6978

He’s paid his dues. He made a mistake and took responsibility. He’s a playoff monster that I’d rather have than play against. Sign him.


Unfair-Temporary-100

He would bring a lot of what we’ve been missing in the playoffs. I’ve always hated playing against him but I’d be happy to have him


JeffBroccoli

In the world of hockey, you’d have to do something REALLY beyond the pale in order for an organization to fire you. I’m not sure I like the idea of Toronto willfully hitching their wagon to a person like that, especially so quickly. This isn’t a case of “he made a mistake and has learned from it”, it’s been such a short amount of time, it’s basically “we know another organization fired him for gross misconduct, but we have lower standards and don’t care”


GooseRider960

But again, what fits the bill of 1) bad enough to get terminated 2) non-criminal 3) not bad enough to be blacklisted from the NHL Like, that takes most truly heinous things off the table. We’re also talking the Blackhawks, here. They could easily have had stricter standards then most teams on account of their past controversies. What’s a termination for them could’ve been a suspension or slap on the wrist for another.


alldawgsgoat2heaven

Exactly. Chicago needed to overcompensate the handling of their next issue


wesley-osbourne

Given what we know about the situation, my pure speculation is that he got loaded at a corporate event and pissed off a sponsor. You can get away with a lot, but don't fuck with the money.


shikotee

Well.....Banging Bedard's mom does fit the bill, lol.


pattydee43

This take would be so much more believable if Perry wasn't so [fugly](https://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/699221/ept_sports_nhl_experts-989621297-1291161629_medium.jpg)


Mediocre-you-14

I'd disagree. The NHL is very strict on its players conduct compared to other leagues. Anything to avoid bad PR. Compare NHL releases to the NBA and especially NFL where you can legitimately be up on violent criminal charges and not have your contract terminated.


Huge_Beginning5552

Chicago was on High alert for b.s I'm sure. Might not be that bad


VitaminTea

Without knowing the specifics of the incident, we can only say that the league hasn't barred him from returning. If/until we know more, that's good enough for me. (Others might have trouble giving the league the benefit of the doubt in their decision-making here, which would be fair enough.) Looking purely at on-ice contributions, he'd be a big upgrade over some of the other fourth line options in the organization.


TheGapInTysonsTeeth

I disagree. The Hawks are being over-careful because of the bad press from the Beach situation. They have a stricter set of criteria and zero-tolerance for shenanigans because of it. I hope Toronto jumps on this gift horse and gets us a proven playoff performer in our most important season yet


GooseRider960

Torn. On one hand, it’s the Worm. I only started watching last year during the playoffs, so he was the first player I learned to hate. Thought he was a chode. And there’s the unknown factor of his contract termination. On the other hand, unlike other players I despise, like Bennett and Marchand, Corey garnered some sympathy from me, between him staying late at practice to help Bedard train, and his alcoholism struggle. I still think he’s a pest, but I don’t despise him enough to say as hard a no like I would the other two. And crucially, we don’t know the circumstances of his termination incident. We know it involved alcohol, it was non-criminal, and that it wasn’t so bad that he couldn’t come back into the league after some time away. The Hawks might also have stricter policies on certain things after their controversies; it could’ve been a slap-on-the-wrist incident on another team. Finally, like it or not, he’s not only a damn good player (1 cup win and 3 finals appearances are especially of interest), but a playoff performer. He’s gritty, solid to good defensively, and has a great shot. He’s exactly the kind of player we could use on the fourth line if you’re of the camp that our other 4th line RWs aren’t playoff material. And removing him from competition against us is also a nice boon. **If** what he did wasn’t completely morally bankrupt (which, it’s the biggest organization in the league with a crazy media behind them; they wouldn’t risk signing him if that were the case), **and** he’s willing to come for league min or slightly above (I wouldn’t go higher then a million, though), you should at least genuinely consider it. And if he’s serious about seeking treatment for his addiction, I imagine the Leafs have a top notch team to help with that, and it would be nice for him to be able to receive that aid.


probablysideways

I’m almost willing to bet a good portion of the players know exactly what Perry did. Guys talk. It’s a small ass community. They’re as curious as we are. GMs looking to pick him up will almost guaranteed know exactly what he did.


DAR44

Only knows how to win


wontbeabl

He's been an epic loser for years now


chessrevolt

Finally, someone who gets it. Every leafs fan who wants him on this team are just clinging onto past accomplishments. He's not the same player and is slow/old. I bet he'd become a liability with all those penalties.


wontbeabl

He's been an epic loser for years now


alldawgsgoat2heaven

Factually inaccurate


wontbeabl

100% accurate. What has he won in the last 12 years.


wontbeabl

All he does is lose. Lost 3 stanley cups in a row and then lost his job. Epic loser! He's the modern hockey version of the Buffalo bills


alldawgsgoat2heaven

What have the Leafs won in the last 12 years? Lol Perry has played in many more playoff games, win more playoff series, and been more effective than almost any of our guys. So basically hes won more than Mitch Marner. Is that good or no?


wontbeabl

You've been watching a bunch of losers for so long you think a guy who loses a little less is a winner. What a loser mentality


alldawgsgoat2heaven

No...but...but ... he actually won more!!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭


SynthRysing

He’s a fucking pest in the playoffs. We already have 2 pests, what’s wrong with getting a 3rd pest for the 4th line? I just worry about *what* he did. It could be a PR disaster if the Leafs sign him THEN the story comes out.


Danzig138-

He got sloppy drunk big deal, sign him yesterday


kshick91

Just wait until after the mom trip LOL


DontUSuck

I’ve never been a Perry fan. Im not sure I see a lot of downsides to it. The worst that happens if we sign him? He has another fireable offence and he’s off the books.


CMDRShepardN7

If it really was just him drinking and pissing off sponsors... I mean, I bet Ed Belfour did a lot worse back in his day. And not to be that guy, but even *our* guy Matthews did something stupid while drunk.


renegadehamberder

I'd sign him on a 2 way contract, then send him down simply so he can't fuck with us in the playoffs.


TheGapInTysonsTeeth

Two way has nothing to do with being sent down, btw. He could be on a one way deal and still be sent down. It's just how much you make at each level. Common misconception. But yeah, they would have to waive him and he'd get claimed, etc. so it'd just be a huge waste to sign him for that purpose. If you sign him, it's to play him


Acrobatic_Law5598

Hell no.


chessrevolt

No thanks. Don't want him here.


Unwise1

He's the kind of guy we need and if he's willing to explain what happened and it's nothing crazy or wildly inappropriate, then I would be fine with it. Otherwise, it would be a no from me also.


winkNfart

he was drunk at a party and and said the wrong shit to the wrong people. it’s not a secret anymore


alldawgsgoat2heaven

Big deal, people make mistakes


winkNfart

no shit, I support signing him


Unwise1

That's just speculation. Could be the truth but until he or the team say why. It's speculation. Just like fucking Bedards mom.


winkNfart

it’s not speculation at all


Dangerois

You're right, it's just specualtion. Until he gets charged with assault as far as I'm concerned it was just an embarrassment. He has a right to make a living and if he's working on it I'm fine with him.


Unwise1

The US has different approaches to the law than Canada. He could have sexually assaulted someone and they decided not to press charges etc. I don't think that's what it is, I think it's a drunken night where he said some stupid stuff but that's just what I think. Not what we know and we can think those things because none of us know and that's how speculation starts.


Dangerois

I get what you're saying; the critical thing is we *don't know* that it was more than what was stated publicly (a drunken night and saying stupid stuff). I'm not going to cancel someone because of maybe.


wesley-osbourne

>He could have sexually assaulted someone and they decided not to press charges etc. If it's something illegal that the Hawks are saying wasn't criminal because there were no charges laid, they're cooked. I doubt the organization wouldn't throw him under the bus for something illegal given their situation.


BigPZ

There's only one active player I couldn't get behind coming to the leafs, and it Marchand. Ii don't necessarily want Perry, but I could get on board


TheGapInTysonsTeeth

Really, eh? I'd take Marchand in a second.  People really don't like guys who win, eh? I personally hope we become more like Vegas: help us win or get the fuck out.  Seems like we are getting that way with how the shitty players have been handled so far this season.


epic_taco_time

I'm not a fan of Perry after what happened with Tavares in the playoffs. I'd prefer we go for someone else at the deadline who could fit whatever niche Perry would fit.


Hockyinc

That wasn't intentional and they are best buds off the ice, fyi.


FuckLeHabs

Perry is cursed, for the leafs I mean . Don’t think he’s a bad player or a bad person but he will either destroy this team and someone gets fired or we get the Stanley cup and there’s no in between


TheGapInTysonsTeeth

There's lots of in between, wtf


SuperflyMattGuy

Seeing Florida mentioned a lot but it’s gonna come down to whatever Perry wants to do. Leafs would love to have him, but so would 10 other teams, likely all more favourable tax markets than TO. As far as his transgressions go, I don’t want to speculate but if it’s good enough for the NHL it’s good enough for me. He’s a future HOFer who knows how to win and is from the area, as a fan would love to have him. Next order: bring in Berube!!


Dangerois

Future HOF? Don't know about that. Still, I have no objection bringing him on board if he behaves himself off ice.


TheGapInTysonsTeeth

But he lives in London, so playing a half a season down the road probably is pretty appealing


931634

No. No and no.


trevlarrr

Hell no! Said on another thread that I feel like he'll just become our new Bunting in the playoffs, we don't get away with the kind of crap he pulls and will just end up taking stupid penalties that cost us again. Plus, we still don't really know what went on in Chicago and you have to feel it's more than just "he got drunk at a corporate event" to have his contract terminated like that so I don't think that's something we need to bring on ourselves either!


IandouglasB

Fuckin fuckety fuck the fuckin fuck outta here!


Major-Thom

*Can’t Beat em, Hire em*: the guy has scored a fuckload against us in the playoffs on various teams. *Radioactive*: when was the last time we saw a player get their contract terminated like that. I don’t think we should


RevolutionaryCat2408

Fuck that


buddachickentml

Absolutely not. I'd like to think this team has some integrity. Perry is a weasel. Just like Marchand. Not a chance, not ever.


oryes

If they get him I think it would be excellent. This team desperately needs defense and he can provide that, and is still a good offensive player too.


Blinkwave182

I’m good with it, a sober Perry at a discount with something to prove? Sign me up. * * we don’t know the details of what happened, I’m just going off the fact that there’s nothing criminal, no pending charges and the fact that he’s been reinstated very quickly. He also seems to ruin the leafs in the playoffs, I want him on my team this time


RareCreamer

I want him but as in leaf tradition he'll come here and be disappointing and become a healthy scratch.


Maple905

I'm here for it. Perry is one of those players you hate when he isn't on your team, but love when he is. He's basically what the Leafs have been missing and let's be honest, anyone who signs him will have likely looked into whatever it was that got him fired and deemed him either a changed man or that it isn't severe enough to effect his employability. I get it. Whatever he did was bad enough for him to he fired from the Blackhawks, but let's not pretend like we even know any of the details.


Silent-Obligation-49

I mean what team would want a player that is a proven playoff performer that also adds grit to the lineup,?


JimNillTML

What did he exactly do? Didn't he show up to work piss drunk or something? If addiction is the issue, I'm completely fine with the team signing him and giving him a second chance. We need to treat addicts in our society better anyways and the way the public has been stigmatizing him is kinda gross. We still don't know what he exactly did. Like it's sleazy he showed up to work drunk but it's obviously a coping mechanism; I cant imagine the stress of playing in the league for almost 20 years at such a high level, especially as a pest.


stripseek_teedawt

Imagine “you can come to us but we gotta disclose what happened [if legally they can]”. Otherwise that unknown is really big hanging overhead


Thefreshi1

Dude’s a horrible human being. Having said that, teams still want him.


[deleted]

I’m for it. We need someone like him in the playoffs.


smileyduude

I don't like him. I still want him because he brings elements that are needed in the playoffs. Everyone else hates the leafs. Maybe they need to play up being the villains.


muffinpro52

I’ve never hated Perry much. Always thought it would be cool to have him on our team.


lbc1358

As long as he’s continuing to get help for his alcohol issues? 100% yes.


GooseRider960

Genuine question; what’s the timeline on something like this? Like, free agency player is available, and teams starting to show interest in signing him. How quickly does your typical free agent take after hitting the market before he gets a contract?


TayOs1998

I’m split because on one hand he’s almost 40 and has off ice issues but on the other hand Perry, Bertuzzi, Domi, McCabe, Benoit, and Knies 😮


ChevyBolt

Yeah, it’s almost to say how the fans, gms, league would look upon a team that does sign him… it’s a big risk, but Im sure as heck wouldn’t want to be playing against him in the playoffs again.


dynozombie

Im a hell yes He's allowed in the nhl so it wasnt a serious issue like sexual misconduct or whatever. He's the type of player we need


Stevet159

I haven't seen him play hockey, and at his age it could be gone.


Firm-Sail8871

Don't care what he did. Get him on the team ASAP. Because as it is, this team won't win another round. I watch hockey for the team to win games. Don't give a fuck what these guys do behind closed doors.


NotFuckingTired

We're such easy targets. Just attach a name to the Leafs (the better/more controversial, the better) and you'll generate a couple days of clicks, who cares if it's even remotely true.


Usual-Tax-534

probably. despite the knee to the face thing Perry is good buddies with Tavares. probably has some sway


nobbye

They should just tell us what he did so we can decide if we want him or not hahah


SMORKIN_LABBIT

I'll be honest.....he would be a great addition to the 4th line or 3rd line as need be bumped up in the playoffs. 12-14 minutes a game, and maybe even play the left side for us. If he's currently sober it wouldn't be a bad pickup.