The Edmonton Oilers' media laughed at Corey Perry when he talked about retiring

Amid speculation about his future, veteran NHL forward Corey Perry made a bold statement that left both the media and fans buzzing.

During a post-game media scrum, when questioned by Marc Spector about the possibility of retirement following the series, Perry confidently responded, asserting his intention to continue playing.

At 39, Perry's announcement came as a surprise to many who thought his career might be winding down. His response was clear and emphatic:

This moment, filled with laughter from the media, highlighted Perry's upbeat attitude towards his aging career.

Despite the optimism, the reality of his performance metrics tells a somewhat different story. Over the past few seasons, there has been a noticeable decline in Perry's on-ice statistics, a testament to the inevitable toll that time takes on even the most elite athletes.

This past season, Perry faced additional challenges beyond the ice rink.

After a controversy at a corporate event, he was released from the Chicago Blackhawks, a team he joined following a storied tenure with several other NHL clubs, including a championship run with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007.

Despite these ups and downs, Perry's resolve remains unshaken.

Perry's declaration of aiming for another five years in professional hockey not only defies common expectations for athletes of his age but also sets a narrative of resilience and determination.

Whether he can indeed perform at the highest level into his mid-forties remains to be seen, but for now, Corey Perry is not ready to hang up his skates.

His spirit and humor at the notion of retirement show a player who is still very much in love with the game of hockey.