Newly signed Los Angeles Kings forward Corey Perry sustained an injury during a practice session at the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo. According to a report from Mayor’s Manor, Perry was taken off the ice in a wheelchair for further medical evaluation. The specifics of the injury remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether it was caused by contact with another player or a result of a separate incident. The report indicates that the incident occurred along the boards.
Perry’s current status raises concerns for both him and the Kings. The 41-year-old veteran signed a one-year, $2 million contract with Los Angeles earlier this offseason. Should he miss substantial time due to this injury, it would significantly impact the team’s plans. Perry was expected to play a valuable bottom-six role, contributing both offensively and as a leader within the locker room.
His career has garnered considerable attention, particularly over the last few seasons. Perry spent 14 years with the Anaheim Ducks, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2007 and earned the Hart Memorial Trophy and Maurice Richard Trophy in 2011. Since joining the Dallas Stars ahead of the 2019-20 season after being bought out by the Ducks, Perry has reached the Stanley Cup Final five times but has been unable to secure another championship.
Throughout his time with several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, and Edmonton Oilers, Perry has recorded 76 goals and 159 points in 404 games, averaging 12:51 of ice time per game. His playoff performance has also been notable, with 28 goals and 52 points in 119 playoff games, averaging 13:17 of ice time per game during that stretch.
The Kings, fortunately, have a strong roster depth, particularly among their forwards. While Perry’s potential replacements may not match his extensive experience, players such as Akil Thomas, Andre Lee, Jeff Malott, or Taylor Ward are available to temporarily step into the lineup if needed.
As the Kings prepare for the upcoming season, the team will closely monitor Perry’s recovery and assess how to best adapt should he need to miss any time on the ice.
