Corey Perry is returning to Southern California, marking a new chapter in his long NHL career. After spending the last season with the Edmonton Oilers alongside Connor McDavid, Perry signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings, bringing him back within 30 miles of where his NHL journey began nearly two decades ago.
The forward, who started his career with the Anaheim Ducks in the 2005–06 season, spent 14 seasons with the franchise, then known as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Perry accumulated 776 points (372 goals, 404 assists) in 998 games, becoming a key figure in the organization’s 2007 Stanley Cup victory and winning the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player in 2011.
“It’s another new chapter, and I’m excited,” Perry told NHL.com at the 11th annual Smilezone Celebrity Golf Tournament. “And it’s an area that I know very well.”
Corey Perry embraces emotional return and rekindled rivalries
Perry acknowledges the sentimental ties to his previous home. “Playing in California, playing in Anaheim for 14 years, you kind of call that home,” he said. “It was a big part of my career, my life, and it always will be.”
Leon Draisaitl #29, Connor McDavid #97, and Corey Perry #90 with the Edmonton Oilers react from the bench during the third period against the Florida Panthers in Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
The transition will be bittersweet, especially when the Kings face the Ducks at Honda Center on November 28. “It’ll be strange to be in that building in a Kings jersey,” Perry said with a chuckle. “After all, there were a lot of years where I was on the home team there and they were the enemy.”
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Leaving Edmonton was difficult as well. Perry helped the Oilers reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, though they fell short against the Florida Panthers both times. His time in Edmonton was meaningful not only for his hockey but also for his family, especially his 7-year-old son Griffin, who thrived in the local minor hockey system.
“It was sad and tough to leave Edmonton,” Perry admitted. “We had good things going there, especially with the family, my teammates, my little guy’s hockey, his hockey team, his hockey buddies.”
New opportunities with the Kings
Perry’s signing was among several free agent moves by the Kings aimed at strengthening their roster. General Manager Ken Holland, who previously signed Perry in Edmonton, wasted no time reaching out when free agency opened.
“Kenny signed me in Edmonton, so he reached out immediately,” Perry said. “We played the Kings in the first round the past two years when I was in Edmonton. And while we won both of those series, LA was a great hockey team. Those series could have gone either way.” Perry is optimistic about the team’s prospects and eager to contribute.
Perry’ challenge with Kings
As Perry begins this new chapter close to where his NHL story began, fans and teammates alike will be watching to see how his experience and skill impact the Kings’ push for success in the upcoming season.
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“All I know is that I like the way the team is constructed,” Perry said. “They’ve always been hard to play against. Like I said, it will feel weird at first. For the early parts of my career, I had a rivalry with the Kings fans and the players. Now I’m one of them. I welcome the new challenge. It’s going to be fun.”
