The Los Angeles Kings have officially traded veteran forward Corey Perry to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft, as reported by TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun. Perry, who is 40 years old, had a productive season with the Kings, netting 11 goals and collecting 28 points across 50 games.
Perry initially joined the Kings on a one-year deal worth $2 million after an impressive run with the Edmonton Oilers, where he helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in consecutive seasons. This move marks Perry’s return to Tampa Bay, where he previously played for two seasons from 2021-2023 and contributed to the team’s run to the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, ultimately falling short against the Colorado Avalanche.
The forward was originally selected 28th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2003 NHL Draft. Over his extensive career, he has amassed an impressive 459 goals and 963 points in 1,442 games, showcasing his talent across several teams including the Ducks, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, Oilers, and Kings.
One of the highlights of Perry’s career came in 2007 when he played a vital role in helping the Ducks secure their first Stanley Cup championship. In addition to this achievement, he earned the Hart Trophy and the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2011, illustrating his offensive prowess with a remarkable 50 goals and 98 points that season.
Perry also made significant contributions to international hockey, representing Canada in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, earning gold medals in both tournaments. He further showcased his skills at the World Championship, where he won gold in 2016, and was part of the Canadian team that triumphed at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
This latest trade marks the continued evolution of both franchises as they work to bolster their rosters in pursuit of championship aspirations.