Lightning Turn to Old Friend Perry Amid Injury Woes
The Tampa Bay Lightning added veteran grit and playoff experience Friday, acquiring forward Corey Perry from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2028 National Hockey League Draft.
Los Angeles will retain 50 percent of Perry’s $2 million salary. The 40-year-old right wing is playing on an expiring contract.
Perry has recorded 28 points this season — 11 goals and 17 assists — in 50 games during his first year with the Kings. He is expected to skate about 15 minutes per game for Tampa Bay, likely on the third or fourth line, while also providing a physical presence and veteran leadership.
Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois said the team targeted Perry because of his playoff pedigree and influence both on and off the ice.
“At the end of the day, we’re excited to be bringing Corey Perry back,” BriseBois said. “Corey is a winner with a proven track record in the playoffs. He makes our team better. He will bring snarl to our group and additional scoring ability to our bottom six.”
BriseBois emphasized that Perry’s value goes beyond statistics.
“With Corey Perry, it’s not all about production,” he said. “It’s also about the leadership he brings and the influence he has on other players. He has this ability to bring guys into the fight. He knows when and how to raise the temperature on the ice and when to calm things down. That’s priceless if you want to go on a long playoff run.”
The move reunites Perry with the Lightning, where he played during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. He helped Tampa Bay reach the 2022 Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Colorado Avalanche.
Perry ranks third among active NHL players in career playoff games, bringing valuable postseason experience to Tampa Bay’s locker room.
BriseBois said the Lightning were comfortable acquiring the veteran because of their familiarity with him.
“When you know players and have that familiarity, it makes things easier,” he said. “Our coaches know how to use him, and he knows what to expect here. That makes the transition seamless.”
Perry spent 14 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks and was part of their 2007 Stanley Cup championship team. He has also played for the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, and Chicago Blackhawks.
Despite being in the later stages of his career, BriseBois said Perry’s passion for hockey continues to set him apart.
“Everyone in this industry loves hockey,” BriseBois said. “But I don’t know that any player is as passionate about the game as Corey Perry. He loves to compete. He loves the challenge of doing the hard things.”
BriseBois added that Perry’s return was not about reliving past success but about improving the team’s current championship chances.
“We’re not trying to go back to 2020 or 2021,” he said. “We’re trying to win the Cup in 2026 and beyond. Corey fits a specific need for us today, and adding him increases our odds of success.”
Perry waived his no-trade clause to approve the move and expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the Lightning as he continues his pursuit of another Stanley Cup.
Perry immediately helps the injury-depleted Lightning, who lost forwards Gage Goncalves (day-to-day) and Dominic James (out until early May) earlier this week.
Tampa Bay is also without center Nick Paul, who BriseBois said is not expected back for “a week or two.”
The Lightning (38-18-4, 80 points) is tied with Buffalo (37-19-6, 80 points) atop the Atlantic Division. Tampa Bay, which has lost four consecutive games, will visit Toronto (27-25-11, 65 points) tonight at 7 p.m. before bussing to Buffalo on Sunday at 5 p.m. to play the Sabres, who have won five straight games.
