In the unpredictable theater of professional hockey, sometimes the most dramatic moments occur not under the bright lights of a regular season game, but in the quiet, anticipatory hum of a pre-camp skate. Such is the recent plight of Corey Perry, the seasoned NHL forward whose much-anticipated return to the Los Angeles Kings has hit an immediate snag.
At 40 years old, Perry is more than just another player; he`s a living testament to longevity and a decorated veteran of the game. As one of the final active players from the storied 2003 NHL draft class, his career resume boasts a Stanley Cup, a Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP, and a reputation as one of hockey`s most effective — and at times, most irritating — power forwards. Known affectionately, or perhaps infamously, as `The Worm` for his uncanny ability to get under opponents` skin, Perry brings a unique blend of skill, grit, and playoff pedigree to any roster he graces.
Last season, with the Edmonton Oilers, he demonstrated that the fire still burns brightly, tallying 19 goals and 11 assists for 30 points in 81 games. These numbers represented his best offensive output since the 2021-22 season, a clear signal that the veteran still had gas in the tank and a role to play at the highest level. It was this proven capability and a desire for veteran leadership that led the Los Angeles Kings to sign him to a one-year, $2 million contract as a free agent on July 1st, marking a full-circle moment for a player who has spent much of his career battling against the Kings in intense Pacific Division rivalries.
The incident itself unfolded during a seemingly routine pre-camp skate in El Segundo, California, the Kings` practice facility. Reports from Los Angeles-based MayorsManor.com, further corroborated by Sportsnet`s Elliotte Friedman, paint a sobering picture: Perry sustained the injury along the boards and was reportedly taken off the ice in a wheelchair. A wheelchair, for a man who has spent two decades fearlessly battling in the corners of NHL rinks, is a stark visual, immediately suggesting an injury of significant concern rather than a minor tweak.
For the Kings, Perry`s signing wasn`t just about adding another body to the roster. It was about injecting grit, playoff experience, and a unique brand of agitation into a team aiming to make a deeper run after recent early playoff exits. His veteran presence in the locker room and his ability to contribute offensively and defensively, particularly in crucial moments, were invaluable assets the team sought. His immediate absence, even before the official start of training camp, leaves a void that will be difficult to fill and casts a shadow of uncertainty over their early season plans.
For Perry, this injury carries potentially heavier implications. As one of the last active players from his draft class, every season is a testament to longevity. At 40, an injury, especially one severe enough to warrant a wheelchair, raises uncomfortable questions about recovery timelines and, inevitably, the twilight of a remarkable career. The hockey gods, it seems, have a peculiar sense of humor, delivering a setback before the campaign even properly begins, a stark reminder that even the most seasoned warriors are not invincible.
As the hockey world awaits an official update on Perry`s condition – with information potentially scarce until camp officially opens – the air in Los Angeles is thick with concern. Whether he`ll be ready for the season, or if this marks a more prolonged absence, remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Corey Perry`s journey back to the ice, whenever it may be, will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the early days of the NHL season. His resilience, a hallmark of his career, will undoubtedly be tested once more.
