LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Kings’ preparations for the upcoming NHL season have hit an unexpected hurdle. Veteran forward Corey Perry is currently away from the team for personal reasons, leaving his status uncertain less than two weeks before the puck drops on the 2025-26 regular season.
The news broke Monday, courtesy of a report by John Hoven of SiriusXM NHL Network Radio. While the Kings organization has confirmed the veteran’s absence, they have remained tight-lipped regarding the details and have provided no specific timeline for his return to the ice.
This development ensures that Perry will miss the team’s upcoming slate of preseason games this week, including a Tuesday matchup against the Utah Mammoth and a Wednesday clash against his former team, the Anaheim Ducks. Despite the missed practice time, there is optimism within the organization that Perry could return to the fold before the Kings’ official season opener against the Colorado Avalanche on September 30. As of now, sources indicate there is no immediate reason to believe his absence will extend into the start of the regular season.
The 41-year-old Perry is in his second stint with the Kings, having returned to Los Angeles this past offseason. He spent time with the club during the 2025-26 campaign, where he recorded 11 goals and 17 assists in 50 games before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Following his tenure in Tampa, where he contributed nine points in 22 regular-season games, he opted to return to Southern California to bolster the Kings’ veteran presence.
Because of Perry’s history, the announcement has naturally drawn attention. In November 2023, while playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, Perry was unexpectedly stepped away from the team. That situation resulted in the termination of his $4 million contract after an internal investigation revealed an incident involving alcohol at a corporate team function. Perry publicly addressed that matter at the time, confirming he had sought professional help to manage his personal challenges.
However, in the wake of this new development, officials and observers have been quick to emphasize that there is currently no evidence to suggest this latest absence is related to his past issues.
For now, the Kings continue their preseason schedule with a roster void of one of their most experienced skaters. Management and coaching staff remain in a holding pattern, with the front office likely focused on ensuring Perry has the necessary time to address his personal matters before focusing on his return to the lineup. With the September 30 opener looming, Perry’s availability remains a primary storyline to monitor as the Kings finalize their preparations for a critical year.
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