As the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers get ready to face off in the Stanley Cup Final, one thing is clear: both teams rely on veteran players who have already won the Cup. Corey Perry, 40, plays for the Oilers, while Brad Marchand, 37, skates for the Panthers. Their strong performances in this year’s playoffs might change how teams view older free agents this summer. This article looks at why experienced players like Perry and Marchand still matter a lot in today’s NHL.
How Older Players Have Been Viewed in the Salary Cap Era
Since the NHL introduced the salary cap, teams have been careful about spending money on older players near the end of their careers. This makes sense because older players often lose some speed or strength due to age, and with limited cap space, teams usually invest in younger or prime-age players who can contribute longer. Still, this view might be changing thanks to what Perry and Marchand have shown this postseason.
Impressive Playoff Performances by Perry and Marchand
Brad Marchand has recorded 10 assists and 14 points in 17 playoff games for Florida. Corey Perry has scored seven goals and earned 10 points in 16 games for Edmonton. These are strong numbers, especially since both play less than 17 minutes a game on average. Perry’s ice time is about 13 minutes and 54 seconds per game, while Marchand averages 16 minutes and 22 seconds. Their ability to contribute so much in limited time shows how valuable veterans can still be.
The Role of Sports Science and Player Care
One key reason older players like Perry and Marchand perform well is because modern NHL players take excellent care of their bodies. For decades, players have treated their health seriously, which helps them last longer and stay sharp. Teams now have advanced sports science departments and use load management strategies during the regular season. This means veterans don’t have to play heavy minutes all year round, allowing them to stay fresh and play well in the playoffs—something not possible in earlier NHL eras.
Impact on the Free-Agent Market
The success of Perry and Marchand this spring will likely make teams more interested in signing experienced veterans this summer. While neither player is expected to get huge salary increases—Marchand might earn close to his $6.125 million from this season, and Perry could get a raise over his $1.15 million—their proven ability to perform under pressure makes them valuable. Teams chasing a Stanley Cup will want players who can handle big moments, and these two veterans fit the bill.
Who Has More Time Left? Marchand vs. Perry
Brad Marchand is younger and probably has more playing years ahead than Perry. Still, both players will likely have several teams interested in signing them to compete for a championship next season. Because of their experience and strong playoff impact, these players won’t be signed to minimum deals. Their reputation and skill in high-pressure situations make them stand out from other older free agents, so expect offers that reflect that value.
Corey Perry and Brad Marchand are proving that age is just a number in the NHL when it comes to playoff success. Their strong performances this postseason highlight how veteran players can still be major assets for teams chasing the Stanley Cup. Thanks to better player care and sports science, older players can now maintain a high level of play later in their careers. This will likely lead to more interest in similar veterans during free agency, potentially sparking bidding wars. For teams wanting to win it all, experienced players like Perry and Marchand could be the key pieces they need.
