The Los Angeles Kings had a busy Tuesday as they looked to build a championship-quality team — what better (or not) way to start than by signing Corey Perry to a one-year deal.
The contract is $3.5 million (bonus laden) for the 40-year-old forward.
Long-Time Rival Corey Perry Signs With Los Angeles Kings
Perry, a champion-winning winger (2007 with Anaheim Ducks), has built himself an infamous reputation with the Kings. Both sides have had a rich history of battles, and Perry has never had a warm welcome from the fans rooted in Los Angeles.
“I’m going to let my play speak for itself,” Perry said in response to how he’ll win over Kings fans (h/t Russell Morgan of Hockey Royalty). “I got to get them on my side and go from there.”
A player that LA fans have built a forever hatred for is now going to contribute to the team that they deeply love. It’s a bittersweet moment, drawing mixed emotions. Even the Kings organization has recognized how obscure this instance has been.
It’s noteworthy that LA’s general manager, Ken Holland, was formerly with the division rival Edmonton Oilers and traded for Perry during his time there — so the connection has existed previously.
Nonetheless, Perry brings the experience and grit that can contribute deep into the season. The veteran is coming off of his 20th NHL season and his sixth Stanley Cup Finals appearance.
Last season with the Oilers, Perry scored 30 points (19 goals, 11 assists) — his most since the 2021-22 season — and had a career-high 19% shooting in 81 games.
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However, the journeyman’s impact comes when the lights shine the brightest. In the 2025 playoffs, Perry notched 10 goals and four assists in 22 games. Only three players scored more goals than the Ontario native.
Even though the former 40-goal scorer is not the player he once was, he still provides winning DNA and, as a result, has been featured in the Cup Finals five of the last six years.
Kings fans may be excited to hear this news, but the unfortunate truth has been that Perry has lost all five times in that span. So if the trend continues, Los Angeles could have a one-way ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals, but would leave empty-handed.
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There shouldn’t be too many expectations from the aging vet, but solid contribution on the fourth line — a line that head coach Jim Hiller ghosted late last season — could spark more firepower throughout the lineup. Perry also has a knack for being a pest for the opposition and will get dirty around the blue paint.
Though it’s not the move Kings fans wished for, on the bright side, it’s nothing long-term and has potential for when the playoffs roll around.