Corey Perry's desire to remain with the Edmonton Oilers is clear, and the feeling appears to be mutual. Fresh off a strong season where he tallied 19 goals and 30 points in 81 regular-season games, Perry proved he still has plenty to offer. His impact was even more pronounced in the playoffs, where he scored 10 goals, just one behind team leader Leon Draisaitl, during the Oilers' run to the Stanley Cup Final.

However, the Oilers face salary cap constraints, and Perry, while productive, is also entering his 40s. This makes a traditional, high-value contract unlikely. Instead, the Oilers might consider a creative, bonus-laden deal similar to the one the Winnipeg Jets recently used to sign Jonathan Toews.

Toews' contract included a $2 million base salary with up to $5 million in performance bonuses tied to games played and postseason performance. This structure protected the Jets against the uncertainty surrounding Toews' health and allowed them to reward him based on his contributions.

The Oilers could adopt a similar approach with Perry, offering a base salary with incentives tied to games played or offensive production. This would allow them to fairly compensate Perry while mitigating the financial risk associated with a long-term, high-value contract. It would also provide the flexibility to carry any bonus-related overages into the following season, especially if the salary cap increases as projected.

Perry has stated that winning, not money, is his priority, which suggests he might be open to a performance-based contract. He's a veteran who values the opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup, and staying in Edmonton offers him that chance.

Of course, a bonus-heavy deal isn't the only option. Deferred salary structures or offers from other teams willing to pay more upfront could also be on the table. However, a Toews-like contract could be a win-win for both Perry and the Oilers. Perry gets to stay in a winning environment, and the Oilers retain a valuable player while managing their cap effectively. This approach would also allow the Oilers to allocate more of their available cap space to other key players, such as Evan Bouchard, or to address other needs on their roster.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to negotiations between Perry and the Oilers' management. Both sides seem motivated to find a solution that works, and a creative contract structure could be the key to keeping Perry in Edmonton for another season.