Corey Perry is coming back, again. The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they've extended the 41-year-old forward with a one-year $1M/year season, per Frank Seravalli.
Sources say Corey Perry is going back to #LAKings for his 41-year-old season.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2026
This will be Perry's 22nd career season. If he plays at least 36 games this season, he'll join an exclusive club of just 25 NHLers that have played at least 1,500 career regular season games. His name will be enshrined alongside players like Nicklas Lidstrom, Patrick Marleau and Gordie Howe for his impressive longevity.
Perry has 1,568 points across 1,464 career games. In that time, he's played for the Anaheim Ducks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers and the Kings. Last season, Perry produced 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points in 72 games between the Lightning and the Kings.
General manager Ken Holland has had a busy day, kicking off free agency with the signing of Erik Haula to a two-year contract. He quickly followed this up with a one-year deal for veteran forward Mats Zuccarello, scoring the high-scoring forward for a one-year, $1M/year deal. Perry makes the trio of this group, adding another solid veteran to LA's depth.
Perry returning to Kings speaks to organization
Corey Perry could've signed just about anywhere this offseason, but the fact that he returned to Los Angeles speaks volumes. It's clear that Perry trusts Holland's vision -- or he's looking for one last kick at the playoffs. Either way, he'll be a welcome presence in LA's locker room.
The departure of Anze Kopitar and soon-to-be departure of Drew Doughty next season leaves a bit of a leadership void in the locker room. Perry, who has played on multiple Stanley Cup Finals rosters, makes for a great veteran leader for the younger players of Los Angeles. With Kopitar's retirement, Quinton Byfield is set to take the reins on the top line. Perry, who played on the top line for the lions' share of his career, can be a perfect mentor for the player moving forward.
Free agency has just begun, and, knowing Ken Holland, Perry's signing isn't the last move he has planned. Stay tuned for further updates.
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