Corey Perry is currently in the second year of his eight-year, $69 million contract with the Anaheim Ducks. With Perry locked up through 2020-2021, it’s pretty difficult to imagine him in a different uniform. However, only a couple years ago Perry considered joining the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The LA Times recently spoke with Perry and it’s clear that he’s happy with the decision he made.
Perry on the fact he nearly signed in Toronto:
“There’s all kinds of stuff that went into it. It would’ve been nice to go home and play in front of family and friends every night, but on the other side of things, you have to think about your life and how you want to live it.”
What made Perry decide to stay in Anaheim? Aside from the fact he wanted to stay and live in Orange County, it sounds like the direction of the organization played a major role in his decision.
“Everything’s going in the right direction with this organization. There’s a lot of depth here and it definitely weighed in on what was going on.”
Hindsight is always a factor, but Perry’s decision looks like a brilliant one considering how things have transpired so far in 2014-15. The Ducks have been one of the top teams in the NHL while the Maple Leafs have already fired their coach and are still struggling to find answers.
You also have to wonder what other factors were at play in Perry’s decision. Was the difference in media scrutiny a factor here? Perry doesn’t cite it as an example, but the overall atmosphere in Anaheim is much more laid back compared to Toronto.
Perry’s comments may complement the Ducks and the direction their franchise is headed, but they also sting Maple Leafs fans who will now dream of a time when Perry may have worn the blue and white.
