Avalanche NHL Draft: Colorado Missed Out in 2003

Corey Perry, #28

Mar 1, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) scores a goal over Dallas Stars goalie

(1) in the first period at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry is an instigator, the kind of guy you love to hate. However, that’s far from his biggest role on the team. He’s a force on the ice, a clutch player, as evidenced by his eight goals and eight assists in this year’s playoffs.

Perry is a big winger at 6-foot-3, 212 pounds. And he uses his size to advantage. However, he’s also a pure goal scorer. And he can hold onto that puck while he drives into the zone like no one’s business.

No question what he would have brought to the Avalanche if they had selected him in 2003. He’s had seven 20+ goal seasons, five 30+ goal seasons, two 40+ goal seasons and a 50-goal season (2010-11).  Except for the lockout year, he’s had all 50+ point seasons since 2007-2008.

Plus, think how annoying it would be for opponents to have Corey Perry and Cody McLeod on the same team.