The Los Angeles Kings made National Hockey League headlines on Saturday when they announced that right winger Corey Perry would miss six to eight weeks after having knee surgery. Due to the fact the NHL regular season begins on October 7, Perry is expected to miss the first month.
How did Perry get hurt?
Perry injured his knee during a pre-camp skate on Friday according to Rogers Sportsnet. The injury occurred at the Kings practice facility.
Where was Perry expected to fit with the Kings?
Perry signed a one-year contract worth $2 million on Canada Day. Under the contract agreement as Perry returns to southern California, Perry has an opportunity to receive an additional $2 million in signing bonuses. As the regular season was set to begin, Perry was projected to be on the Kings’s fourth line alongside Joel Armia of Pori, Finland and Samuel Helenius, who was born in Dallas while his father Sami played for the Stars, and was raised in Finland.
Seventh NHL team
The Kings are Perry’s seventh NHL franchise. He previously played 14 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks from 2005 to 2019. Perry was then with the Dallas Stars from 2019-20, the Montreal Canadiens from 2020-21, the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2021-23, the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023, and the Edmonton Oilers for two seasons from 2024 to 2025.
Perry’s 2024-25 NHL statistics
Perry had 19 goals and 11 assists for 30 points in 81 games with the Oilers. He was a +12 with 61 penalty minutes, seven power-play points, four game-winning goals, 100 shots on goal, 17 faceoff wins, 26 blocked shots, 36 hits, 13 takeaways and 44 giveaways.
Perry’s NHL accolades
In the last two decades, Perry has had his fair share of NHL honours. They include winning the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007, being honoured at four NHL All-Star Games (2008, 2011, 2012, and 2016), winning the Hart Trophy and Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy (leading the NHL with 50 goals in 2010-11), leading the NHL with 32 even strength goals and 11 game-winning goals in 2010-11, and leading the NHL with 35 even strength goals in 2013-14.
Second oldest player in the NHL
At the age of 40 years and 121 days old, Perry has the distinction of being the second oldest player in the NHL this season with a contract. He is 68 days younger than Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns of Barrie, Ontario, who is 40 years and 189 days old. Burns has been a three-time NHL All-Star in his career to date.
