5 things you might not know about Corey Perry

The Stars signed Corey Perry to a
one-year, free-agent contract on July 1
. So what should Dallas fans know about their newest star?
Here are five things:

1. He could be a bargain

Perry was bought out by the Anaheim Ducks with two years remaining on his contract at a cap hit of $8.625 million, so he was open to finding a new home where he could have success both individually and as a team. As a result, the Stars signed him to a one-year deal with a base salary of $1.5 million and incentives that could add $1.75 million more.
That could be a great bargain if Perry can find some of his old form. He had knee surgery last September and didn't return to play until February. In the final 31 games of the season, he tallied 10 points (six goals, four assists), so he has to prove that he can be healthy and contribute at age 34.
"Physically, I feel great," Perry said after signing with the Stars. "I'm 100 percent and the knee feels 100 percent. I've already started skating, so it's definitely going to be hopefully a great year for me and a bounce back year. I'm ready to prove people wrong."

2. He has a great pedigree

Perry has been a winner at every level, including leading the London Knights to the Memorial Cup in 2004-05. Perry had 130 points (47 goals, 83 assists) in 60 regular season games for London, and followed that with 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists) in 18 playoff games.
Perry then went on to help the Ducks win the Stanley Cup in 2007 and followed that up with Olympic gold medals (with Canada) in 2010 and 2014, as well as a World Cup gold medal in 2016.
Perry has twice been named to the NHL's first All-Star Team and won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2011.
Perry finishes his time with the Ducks as the franchise's all-time leader in games played (988) and penalty minutes (1,110), as well as second place in goals (372) and third place in points (776) and assists (404).
"This is one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make in my 44 years in the NHL. Corey gave everything to this franchise for 14 years, never giving an inch to his competitors," Ducks GM Bob Murray said in a statement after announcing the buyout. "While his scoring touch is undeniable, his will to win became his greatest attribute."

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3. Of course, he's made some enemies along the way

As a competitor against the Stars, Perry had some emotional moments. He has played 63 games against Dallas in the regular season, the fourth most in his career against any franchise.
In that time, he tallied 19 goals and 26 assists for 45 points.
Perry is a classic agitator and likes to get under the skin of his opponent. As a result, many Stars fans were upset when he signed. But Perry said he hopes he can change the attitude of fans with his play.
"I think if I can go in, fit right in right away, and get off on the right foot, I think it's going to be great," Perry said. "I think once they get to know me and watch me on a nightly basis and not just playing against them, it's going to be a good fit. I'm excited to get to Dallas and be a part of that community and organization."
He certainly earned the respect of the Ducks organization. Here's what Anaheim GM Bob Murray told theOrange County Register after announcing Perry's buyout:
"I hope he goes somewhere and wins the Stanley Cup and goes into the Hall of Fame. For some team, he could be the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae. We're not there at this point."

4. He and Jamie Benn have a history of success with Team Canada

Perry and Stars captain Jamie Benn have played together on Team Canada and were members of the 2014 Olympic gold medalists. The two played on a line with Perry's Anaheim teammate Ryan Getzlaf and combined for three goals and three assists in six games.
"Jamie and I played in Sochi on a line with Getzy and we had great chemistry," Perry said. "When I left there, I thought the world of him. He's a heck of a hockey player, and to be on the same team again, hopefully we can rekindle that kind of experience."
Perry said Benn gave him a call during the free agent recruiting process and then after he decided to sign with the Stars.
"He reached out, and he seemed very excited I was choosing Dallas," Perry said. "We're definitely on the same page in looking to win a Cup."

5. He'll wear No. 10

Perry wore No. 10 for most of his time with the Ducks and
will return to that number with the Stars
.
No. 10 was last worn by Martin Hanzal before he switched to No. 11. It also has been worn by Patrick Sharp, Shawn Horcoff, Brenden Morrow, Brian Skrudland and Todd Harvey.
Perry told The Hockey Writers that he was given No. 61 as a rookie in Anaheim and then switched to No. 10.
"In junior, I wore 94. In my first year in Anaheim, I wore 61," he said. "(Former Ducks GM) Brian Burke asked me at the end of my first year, 'What number do you want below 30?' I wore 10 as a kid, so I thought I would go back to that."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.
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