At 40 years old, Corey Perry walked away from a good thing in Edmonton. The veteran forward had found his rhythm with the Edmonton Oilers, and the locker room felt like home. But now Perry is packing up for a new start with the Los Angeles Kings, leaving behind teammates who called him “elite” and fans who embraced his gritty style.
The question hanging over this move is: What made Perry choose the Kings over staying put in a place where everything was clicking?
Why Did Corey Perry Choose the Los Angeles Kings Instead of Edmonton?
Perry signed a one-year, $2 million contract with Los Angeles earlier this summer, becoming one of the marquee free agents to find a new home after the 2024-25 campaign. The decision wasn’t easy for the seasoned forward, who had established deep connections during his time with the Oilers.
According to NHL.com’s Mike Zeisberger, Perry opened up about his departure during the 11th annual Smilezone Celebrity Golf Tournament. The 40-year-old was candid about the emotional toll of leaving Edmonton, describing it as “sad and tough.”
Corey Perry is an LA King. 😏 pic.twitter.com/mOayNNAiQ2
— LA Kings (@LAKings) July 2, 2025
“We had a good thing going there, especially with the family, my teammates, my little guy’s hockey, his hockey team, his hockey buddies. That’s hard to leave, sure, but we’re looking forward to making some new great memories in Los Angeles.”
The move wasn’t just about hockey for Perry; it affected his entire family dynamic. His son Griffin had been following in his father’s footsteps, playing in one of Edmonton’s top minor hockey systems. The report noted that Perry’s teammates and the fanbase had embraced his personality and physical play style on the ice.
What Made Perry Stand Out During Edmonton’s Playoff Run?
Perry’s impact became most evident during the Stanley Cup Final, where his veteran presence and hockey intelligence caught the attention of observers across the league. His Edmonton teammate Leon Draisaitl was particularly vocal about Perry’s contributions, calling him “elite” while highlighting his game-by-game impact.
“He’s one of the smartest hockey players I’ve ever seen; he’s so unique in the way he thinks and plays the game,” Draisaitl said. The German star didn’t stop there, adding his belief in Perry’s longevity. “I honestly think he could play till he’s 50 because of his brain. We’ll see if the boots keep up there.”
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Perry’s playoff performance backed up Draisaitl’s praise. The veteran forward scored 10 goals in 22 playoff games, a production that grabbed the attention of Kings general manager Ken Holland. This strong showing ultimately led to Perry becoming LA-bound.
The timing of Perry’s standout playoff run proved crucial in his next career move. His ability to contribute meaningfully in high-pressure situations showcased exactly what Los Angeles was looking for as they continue their pursuit of championship success.
Perry’s career journey has taken him through multiple NHL cities since his lengthy tenure with the Anaheim Ducks. During his 14 seasons with them, he accumulated 776 points in 988 appearances, establishing himself as a consistent offensive contributor. His path became more nomadic afterward, with stops in Dallas, Montreal, Tampa Bay, Chicago, and, most recently, Edmonton.
For Los Angeles, Perry’s versatility and playoff experience represent key additions to their roster. The Kings have consistently reached the playoffs in recent years but haven’t been able to capture the ultimate prize. Perry’s veteran leadership and proven ability to perform in crucial moments could provide the missing piece for their championship aspirations in the upcoming season.
