#1. Corey Perry (2019-20 Salary: $1.5M)
Perry was a beast in the playoffs last year and I’m shocked that nobody has signed him yet. With over $85M in career salary, Perry doesn’t need anymore cash, so he may be interested in a league minimum salary with a contending team.
What better team than to return home and play for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who he idolized growing up?
It’s no secret that Perry wanted to become a member of the Leafs a few seasons ago. Back in 2013, he contemplated signing with Toronto, but instead chose to stay with the Anaheim Ducks; the team that drafted him:
"“It would’ve been nice to go home and play in front of family and friends every night, but on the other side of things, you have to think about your life and how you want to live it.” (Via: Sportsnet.ca)"
Perry made the right decision to play with Anaheim, as their team had numerous chances at winning another Stanley Cup, while Toronto went through a rebuild. However, it’s different now. After seeing Jason Spezza and Joe Thornton return home on the back-nine of their career, maybe he’d want another crack at Cup near his friends and family?
The right-side of the Toronto Maple Leafs line-up is already pretty strong, but one more veteran could never hurt. As I’ve mentioned numerous times, you need depth and players who will do anything to win. As shown in the playoffs last year, Perry is that guy.