from Tracey Myers of the NHL's website,

Corey Perry said he has a few more years of hockey left in him, and he's ready for a chance to work with Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Perry, a 38-year-old forward, has played 18 seasons in the NHL and made his NHL debut Oct. 5, 2005, less than three months after Bedard, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, was born.

"I'm excited for this opportunity, and obviously with Connor coming in and being the player that he is," Perry said Friday. "I've watched many games of his, especially in the World Juniors, so it's an exciting time for the Blackhawks."

The Blackhawks acquired Perry from the Tampa Bay Lightning for a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on June 29. He signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Chicago the next day.

He had 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists) in 81 regular-season games for the Lightning last season and five points (two goals, three assists) in six Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Perry said he fully intended to play this season and that "there was no thought of retirement and there still isn't. I feel I could have a few more years left in me."

Much like forwards Nick Foligno and Taylor Hall, whom the Blackhawks acquired from the Boston Bruins on June 26, Perry said he can still make an impact.

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