What Can the LA Kings Expect From Corey Perry This Season?

With the season opener just over seven weeks away, Corey Perry is entering his 22nd season in the NHL and his second with the Los Angeles Kings after splitting the 2025–26 season between the West Coast and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Perry, 41, signed with the Kings for the 2026–27 season on a one-year contract worth an average annual value of $1 million, with up to an additional $500,000 available in performance bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from the veteran Canadian in this upcoming season.

Back to Sunny California

Following the 2025-26 campaign, Perry recorded 11 goals and 28 points in 50 games with the Kings before joining Tampa Bay, where he added nine points in 22 games. He showed he had something left in the tank that goes beyond his point production. The combined 37 points marked the 15th 30-point season of his career. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound forward also appeared in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Lightning, further demonstrating his ability to be a reliable contributor and a steady presence.

Now that the veteran has rejoined Los Angeles for this upcoming season, the Kings can expect Perry to serve as a mentor to the younger group and see him on the fourth line. His physicality and willingness to battle along the boards can add a different element. With his experience in high-pressure moments, Perry can also provide Los Angeles with added depth in the bottom six when the lineup needs an extra boost.

Another Cup Run is Possible

Perry has been an effortless driver in the league and an incredible net-front presence. Looking at the 2026-27 season, the Kings shouldn’t expect him to become a major presence but someone who can support the power play and be physical when needed (from ‘Corey Perry is driven by the chase for another Cup title — and plans to keep playing’ – The Athletic, 4/29/2026). Not just serving as a leader and veteran presence to the rookies, but the Canadian has played 244 career playoff games, the third-most in the history of the NHL. That’s pretty extraordinary.

The easiest mistake to make with Perry is to look at his age and assume he is simply a fourth-line player. While his role has changed compared to last season, the 41-year-old proves he can still compete and help on the forecheck. A Stanley Cup run is certainly possible for the Kings if their veteran core and younger players can come together at the right time. Perry’s playoff experience could become especially valuable in a long postseason, where his grittiness, experience and ability to make difficult plays could give Los Angeles an edge. If the Kings can stay healthy throughout their lineup, Perry could be an important piece on a team capable of making a serious run in the postseason.

New Coach, New Team

It’ll be interesting to see how Peter Laviolette leads this team forward after being introduced as Los Angeles’ new head coach during the offseason. His experience and challenging coaching style could bring a new level of structure and accountability to the team. How he manages the lineup could have a direct impact on how much responsibility Perry receives throughout the season. If Laviolette can get the most out of both the team’s veterans and young core, the Kings could be in a strong position when the playoffs appear around the corner.

It’s safe to say Perry will bring toughness and a competitive edge every time he steps onto the ice. He may not be asked to become a top scorer, but his ability to battle along the boards and make plays in important moments can still make a difference. If he can stay healthy throughout the season, the forward can continue to prove that age is just a number and that he still has plenty left to give. At this stage of his career, Perry does not need to be a star to make an impression on the team, and his experience could prove valuable as the Kings chase another championship.