This summer, the Los Angeles Kings strengthened their lineup with several notable additions, including veteran forward Corey Perry. Alongside newcomers Joel Armia, Brian Dumoulin, and Cody Ceci, Perry brings not only skill but a history marked by repeated near-misses in the Stanley Cup Finals. His return to California sets the stage for Corey Perry Stanley Cup redemption as he aims to finally capture the coveted championship.
Historic Struggles in the Stanley Cup Finals Shadow Perry’s Career
Corey Perry’s postseason journey has been filled with heartbreak, having appeared in five of the last six Stanley Cup Finals without securing the trophy. His Finals runs with the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and most recently the Edmonton Oilers ended in disappointment. Now, rejoining the Kings, Perry is determined to overturn this pattern and achieve the ultimate success in hockey.
Returning to California: A Homecoming with the Kings
California holds deep personal and professional significance for Perry. He spent his first 14 NHL seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, where he experienced many career highlights. Reflecting on his return at a recent event, Perry stated,
“Playing in California, playing in Anaheim for 14 years, you kind of call that home. It was a big part of my career, my life, and it always will be. Going back to California, we know it’s not the exact same place, but it’s still exciting to go back to Southern California. We’re looking forward to it.”
—Corey Perry, NHL Forward
Perry’s Legacy of Excellence with the Anaheim Ducks
During his time with Anaheim, Perry achieved significant milestones, highlighted by his contribution to the Ducks’ 2007 Stanley Cup victory. He tallied six goals and 15 points throughout those playoffs, helping guide the team past the Ottawa Senators. Between 2008 and 2012, Perry established himself as one of the NHL’s premier players, scoring 175 goals and accumulating 360 points over 392 games. His career honors include capturing the Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal scorer and the Hart Memorial Trophy as MVP.
Although Perry left the Ducks after the 2019 season to join the Dallas Stars and later other teams, he never won another Stanley Cup. Nonetheless, his legacy in Anaheim remains as one of the franchise’s greatest players.
Adjusting to a New Role with the Los Angeles Kings
Wearing the Kings jersey introduces a new dynamic for Perry, especially given his history competing against his former team. He admits it will feel unusual. He remarked with humor,
“It’ll be strange to be in that building in a Kings jersey,”
adding,
“After all, there were a lot of years where I was on the home team there and they were the enemy.”
—Corey Perry, NHL Forward
Chasing One Last Championship in the Final Stretch of His Career
As Perry approaches the latter stages of his career, his motivation remains strong. He aims to secure one final Stanley Cup, ideally helping the Kings win their first title in more than ten years. Fans will have the opportunity to see Perry’s debut with Los Angeles on October 7, when the Kings take on the Colorado Avalanche. His first return to Anaheim as a member of the Kings is scheduled for November 28, an event likely to evoke both nostalgia and excitement for longtime followers.
With his extensive experience and fierce determination, Corey Perry is poised to make a meaningful impact in Southern California hockey once again, all while pursuing the Stanley Cup redemption that has eluded him throughout his career.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Corey Perry apologize for?
A. Corey Perry, a former forward for the Blackhawks, said sorry on Thursday for his actions that got him released from the team. He described them as “inappropriate and wrong.” Perry also mentioned he is seeking help from mental health and addiction professionals to address his issues with alcohol.
Q. Why did Corey Perry get released?
A. In late November, Chicago ended their relationship with Perry, claiming he broke his contract and team rules for a safe and professional workplace. Neither Perry nor general manager Kyle Davidson shared specifics about the termination.
Q. Did Corey Perry and Connor Bedard’s mom?
A. This situation sparked strange rumors that Corey Perry was involved with Connor Bedard’s mom, but both NHL players firmly rejected this claim.
Q. Is Corey Perry a healthy scratch?
A. Perry hasn’t played in Edmonton’s last five games but is likely to rejoin on Wednesday for Game 4, taking Warren Foegele’s place. Edmonton brought the 39-year-old on board halfway through the season, but he hasn’t scored a playoff point in ten games this postseason.