Corey Perry Steps Away from the Ice
Corey Perry, the right winger of the Los Angeles Kings, is stepping away from the ice once again due to a family emergency. Recently, he took a brief hiatus to support a family member who is unwell, causing him to miss several games last week. Having left the team on January 7, he rejoined the Kings for a match against the Edmonton Oilers and played against the Dallas Stars shortly after. However, he will now be out of the lineup indefinitely, missing an upcoming game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Roster Adjustments and Team Impact
In Perry’s absence last week, the Kings made roster adjustments to address the gaps in their lineup. With key players like captain Anze Kopitar and forward Joel Armia still recovering from their injuries, the team recalled Taylor Ward and Andre Lee from the AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign. Consequently, they will proceed with a configuration of 11 forwards and seven defensemen, with Jacob Moverare stepping onto the blue line.
Perry’s Performance This Season
Despite the disruptions, Perry has made a significant impact during his first season with the Kings. Across 37 games, he has netted 10 goals and racked up 23 points, placing him fourth on the team leaderboard in both categories. Notably, the 40-year-old from Peterborough, Ontario, has recently excelled, contributing eight points in his last seven games, highlighted by a three-point outing against the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 1.
Upcoming Matches and Future Outlook
The Kings are set to face their in-state rivals, the Anaheim Ducks—Perry’s former team—in back-to-back matches following their encounter with the Golden Knights. His timeframe for returning to the lineup remains uncertain, but he may be sidelined for those crucial upcoming games.
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