Rumor: Corey Perry a potential fit in Montreal.

The National Hockey League's free agent frenzy has been more of a free agent whimper, especially over the last few weeks, and that has resulted in some pretty recognizable names sitting on the open market without a contract. 

One of the more intriguing names out there has been that of veteran forward Corey Perry, a long time member of the Anaheim Ducks franchise who put himself back on the map a little this past season with a deep run as a member of the Dallas Stars. Perry was bought out of his contract by the Ducks and signed with the Stars as a free agent for the 2019 - 2020 season and frankly I don't believe the Stars regret making the move.

Although it was clear during the regular season that the 35 year old Perry was not the player he once was in his prime, he was serviceable. He picked up 5 goals and 16 assists for 21 points in 57 games and finished the season with a plus minus rating of -2. It was during the playoffs however that Perry had his best contributions for the Stars both as an agitator and offensively as well. His 5 goals and 4 assists in 27 playoff games often came in clutch moments for the Stars and I do believe it was enough to earn him another NHL deal. 

The question of course becomes where will Perry end up next season? Well in a recent article Habs insider Eric Engels admitted that Perry would be the kind of player the Canadiens could look to add between now and the start of the regular season, both as an addition in terms of grit but especially due to that clutch factor he brings as a playoff veteran.

"But I do think Perry is the type of player the Canadiens could look to add between now and the start of the season," wrote Engels.

The insider admits that Perry would no doubt have to be limited during the regular season in order to preserve him for the playoffs, but given the other offseason moves made by the Habs this offseason it is clear they at least intend to contend for those playoffs. Could Corey Perry be the final piece of the puzzle?