Not Corey Perry, Kings veteran forward reportedly stepping away from the NHL after upcoming season

The Los Angeles Kings can sense the pressure mounting as they gear up for the 2026-26 NHL campaign. After four straight first round eliminations against the Edmonton Oilers, something must change. Veteran forward Corey Perry has now joined the team, but reports suggest it’s not him who is walking into his final season in the league.

The Kings only care about winning one. Moving past the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The last time Los Angeles won four postseason games, they went on to win the Cup. Thus, getting one series victory is all the Kings ask for. They’ll take it from there.

However, the opening round has proven to be their Achilles’ heel — especially when Connor McDavid and the Oilers are on the other side of the ice, as has been the case for the past four NHL seasons. Los Angeles would much rather face anyone but Edmonton, though the prospect of avenging those losses does have a nice ring to it. Still, calling it even with a 1-4 playoff record would be a stretch.

The Kings must flip the script. It doesn’t matter how, as long as they actually do so. The 40-year-old forward, Perry, has now joined the franchise in the City of Angels, hoping to conquer his second Stanley Cup. Most importantly, looking to put an end to his losing streak in the Final.

So long, captain

Much uncertainty surrounds Perry’s future after the season, but reports have now emerged indicating it’s not the former Oiler who the fans in LA should be most worried about retiring from the NHL. Instead, it’s the Kings captain Anze Kopitar.

“Not expecting Anze Kopitar to sign an extension of any sort. Enjoy his final season in the NHL,” Mayor’s Manor dropped on X, via @mayorNHL. Whether Kopitar will retire from the sport altogether or set his sights on new horizons — most likely in Europe — remains unclear for now.

Living legend

Kopitar is entering the final season of the two-year, $14M extension he signed with the Kings. Carrying an annual cap hit of $7M, if Kopitar were to retire, his departure would clear up considerable space for Los Angeles. However, that’s hardly a reason for jubilation in La-La Land.

Selected in the first round of the 2005 NHL entry Draft, Kopitar has spent his entire career with the Kings. There is very little left to accomplish for the 37-year-old forward. He has hoisted the Stanley Cup twice, won the Frank J. Selke Trophy twice, the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy three times, and the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award once. Ending his career with another Lord Stanley would be fitting, but the Slovenian centerman will need all the help he can get from Perry and company.

Milestones are still within reach for Kopitar next season. If he stays healthy and maintains the consistent production he’s shown throughout his career, he’ll likely hit both the 1,500-game and 1,300-point marks (currently sitting at 1,454 and 1,278 — respectively).