Newly acquired forward Corey Perry of the Los Angeles Kings 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 removed from the ice in a wheelchair for further medical assessment. Details about the nature and severity of the injury remain scarce, with initial reports indicating that the incident occurred along the boards rather than in open ice.
As the situation develops, concerns grow over Perry’s availability for the upcoming season. The 41-year-old veteran recently signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Kings, and any significant time lost due to this injury would be a notable setback for both Perry and the team. He was expected to play a crucial role in the bottom six, leveraging his offensive skills and leadership experience.
Perry’s career has been marked by impressive achievements, including a Stanley Cup victory with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and accolades such as the Hart Memorial Trophy and Maurice Richard Trophy in 2011. Since joining the Dallas Stars prior to the 2019-20 season, he has reached the Stanley Cup Final five times but has not secured another championship ring.
Despite the challenges, Perry has managed to remain productive throughout the later stages of his career. Over his tenure with several teams—including the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, and Edmonton Oilers—he has tallied 76 goals and 159 points in 404 games, averaging 12:51 of ice time per game. His playoff performances have been noteworthy as well, with 28 goals and 52 points in 119 playoff games, averaging 13:17 of ice time.
The Kings have built considerable depth in their roster, particularly on the wing, which may help mitigate the impact of Perry’s injury. While finding a direct replacement for Perry could prove challenging, players such as Akil Thomas, Andre Lee, Jeff Malott, or Taylor Ward could step into the lineup temporarily, offering the team some flexibility as they navigate this uncertain situation.
As the Kings prepare for the upcoming season, the status of Corey Perry will be closely monitored, with fans and teammates hopeful for a swift recovery.