The Los Angeles Kings made several intriguing offseason additions, but one signing in particular sparked curiosity around the league. The team took a calculated gamble on a seasoned forward once known for his fierce rivalries within the Western Conference, especially against Los Angeles. Now, that same veteran is wearing a Kings jersey and proving that time hasn’t dulled his edge.
It’s a story of experience meeting opportunity. The player once viewed as an opponent has now become one of the Kings’ most reliable weapons, making his mark in crucial games and reminding everyone why he has lasted two decades in the NHL.
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Corey Perry has wasted no time making his presence felt in Los Angeles. At 40, the former Edmonton Oilers forward continues to show that his scoring touch and hockey IQ remain elite. Signed to a one-year, $2 million contract with additional performance bonuses, Perry joined the Kings in July to bring grit and veteran experience to their depth lines. Instead, he’s become one of their most productive forwards.
In his first 10 games of the 2025–26 season, Perry has scored seven goals and added four assists for 11 points, holding a plus-5 rating. His resurgence is rare for players at his age; he’s the first NHL skater aged 40 or older to score seven goals in his first 10 games since Gordie Howe did it in 1969–70.
Perry’s latest standout moment came in the Kings’ 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Trailing early in the third period, Perry found space in the high slot and fired home his seventh goal of the year off a feed from Cody Ceci. The equalizer swung momentum back to Los Angeles, setting up Kevin Fiala’s eventual game-winner. Perry finished with two points on the night, showing once again how his steady hands and smart positioning can tilt a game’s balance.
After the game, Kings coach Jim Hiller reflected on the team’s improved road play, noting how much the group has evolved from last season.
“Last year, we couldn’t lose at home, didn’t win a lot on the road,” Hiller said, via NHL.com. “This year, it’s just different. It’s just hockey. Sometimes, it’s hard to explain. We wanted that one. We were in and out for the first 40 minutes. I didn’t think we gave them a lot.”
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Beyond the scoreboard, Perry has brought composure and leadership to a locker room blending emerging stars with veterans. His chemistry with Alex Turcotte has strengthened the Kings’ fourth line, a key upgrade after last year’s playoff shortcomings.
From his Stanley Cup days in Anaheim to his recent playoff run in Edmonton, Perry’s journey has come full circle. Once a divisional rival, now a catalyst for Los Angeles, he’s proving that experience and a scorer’s instinct never go out of style.
