As discussed on TSN 1050’s First Up, former NHLer Carlo Colaiacovo reported that he believes there is mutual interest between the Toronto Maple Leafs and free agent forward Corey Perry.

Perry, who has proven to be a thorn in Toronto’s side in the past, became a UFA earlier this year after the Chicago Blackhawks let him go in what Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli previously reported was related to an “alcohol-fueled incident.”

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Wednesday that commissioner Gary Bettman had cleared Perry to return to the NHL.

“I have started working with experts in the mental health and substance abuse fields to discuss my struggles with alcohol and I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure this never happens again,” Perry said after his release. “I hope to regain the trust and respect of everyone who has believed in me throughout my career.”

Perry was on the Montreal Canadiens when they came from behind to beat the Leafs during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs. Then, the following year while with Tampa Bay, Perry again played a big role as the Lightning eliminated the Leafs in the first round.  Perry was having a good run with the Blackhawks before the termination, scoring four goals and nine points in 16 games in what was viewed as a mentorship role for Connor Bedard.

At 38, his offensive production is nowhere where it used to be, but the 2011 NHL MVP could still bring grit and some extra offense for cheap in the bottom six. It’s safe to say Perry would come in cheap, which is important with the Leafs currently having just $34,999 in cap space, according to CapFriendly.

The team has $2.116 million tied in injured reserve for Ryan Reaves and Joseph Woll, and $14.462 million in LTIR with Jake Muzzin, John Klingberg and Matt Murray. So the Leafs will need to figure things out, cap-wise, to make this work. Sending someone like Pontus Holmberg and his $800,000 salary could help, or potentially trading a contract like Conor Timmins’ $1.1 million hit.