Corey Perry is heading back to Los Angeles on a one-year contract with The Los Angeles Kings. The 41-year-old forward is returning after starting the 2025-26 season with The Kings and then moving to Tampa Bay at the trade deadline.
Los Angeles Kings Add Corey Perry
The move gives The Kings another veteran piece as they continue to build around experienced roster depth. Perry was part of a separate batch of one-year agreements that also included Erik Haula and Erik Gustafsson.
His arrival again ties him to a roster that is navigating its first season without captain Anze Koptiar, who retired. That leaves the Kings with a different leadership structure and a clear preference for adding players who have spent years in the league.
Perry's 17-Goal Season
Perry produced 17 goals and 20 assists combined for The Kings and Tampa Bay last season. He then finished without a point as Tampa Bay was eliminated in the first round by Montreal.
The numbers still show why the Kings are willing to bring him back. Perry has 465 goals and 507 assists in 1,464 career games, a total that reflects a long scoring track record and plenty of NHL mileage.
Veteran Depth For The Kings
Perry entered the NHL as a first-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks, and his career path has already taken him through multiple roles and systems. That experience fits the direction The Kings have taken with their recent veteran additions.
For Los Angeles, the immediate takeaway is simple: Perry is back, the contract runs for one year, and the club has added another experienced forward to a roster that has already changed since Koptiar's retirement. What his role becomes next season will be shaped by how The Kings distribute their veteran minutes.
