The LA Kings have finalized contracts with forwards Joel Armia and Corey Perry, aiming to reinforce their lineup for the upcoming seasons. Armia agreed to a two-year deal with an average annual value of $2.5 million through the 2026-27 season, while Perry signed a one-year contract worth $2 million AAV, plus potential performance bonuses, extending through the 2025-26 season. This move highlights the Kings’ focus on enhancing their forward depth with experienced players.
Joel Armia’s Recent Performance and Career Highlights
Joel Armia, 32, delivered a strong showing last season with the Montreal Canadiens, appearing in 81 games—the most in his <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL career to date. He posted 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points, while also recording 16 penalty minutes and sharing the team lead with three shorthanded goals. Armia’s 205 minutes of shorthanded ice time ranked fourth among all forwards league-wide. Additionally, he contributed two assists during five Stanley Cup Playoff matches, underscoring his value in critical situations.
Originally drafted 16th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2011, Armia is a seasoned NHL player with 586 regular-season appearances. Over 11 seasons split among Montreal, Winnipeg, and Buffalo, he has scored 103 goals and amassed 207 points. His career-best season occurred in 2019-20, when he logged 16 goals and 14 assists, along with personal highs in power-play goals, shorthanded goals, shots, hits, takeaways, and average time on ice per game. The Finnish forward has also participated in 44 playoff games, including the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals series against Tampa Bay.
Armia’s Early Career and International Experience
Before entering the NHL, Armia spent three seasons competing in Finland’s premier professional league, Liiga, with Assat Pori from 2010 to 2013. During this time, he accumulated 100 points in 149 games, making a memorable rookie debut by leading in goals and points among under-18 players in Liiga’s 2010-11 season. His international career includes representing Finland in six International Ice Hockey Federation tournaments, such as two recent Men’s World Championships (2022, 2023) and multiple World Junior Championships. He also competed for Finland at the NHL’s 2025 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament, showcasing his ongoing commitment to international hockey competition.
Implications for the Kings’ Forward Line Strategy
By signing Joel Armia to this two-year contract, the Kings are adding a versatile and reliable forward capable of contributing in various game situations, especially on special teams. His defensive skills and experience in high-stakes games are expected to provide balance to the Kings’ forward group. Combined with the addition of veteran Corey Perry, the team is positioning itself to improve its offensive options and depth heading into future seasons. This strategic approach could help the Kings become more competitive as they seek deeper runs in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.