Los Angeles Kings Trade Corey Perry to Tampa Bay Lightning
In a move that underscores the Los Angeles Kings’ ongoing strategy to reshape their roster, the team’s general manager has finalized a deal sending forward Corey Perry to the Tampa Bay Lightning. This trade, reported by notable sports journalists including Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet and Chris Johnston of TSN, nets the Kings a second-round draft pick for the 2028 NHL Draft. Similar to a previous transaction involving Warren Foegele, who was traded to the Ottawa Senators, this latest move reflects the Kings’ commitment to building their future through draft assets.
Details of the Trade
Corey Perry, a right winger and seasoned veteran at 40 years old, had to agree to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate this transfer to Tampa Bay. The Kings opted to retain 50% of Perry’s $2 million salary cap hit, a tactical decision as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the season’s end.
This latest trade follows the Kings’ earlier acquisition of a second-round pick from the Senators in exchange for Foegele, bringing their total to three second-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft. With the second-rounder from the Perry trade, the Kings now hold six second-round picks across the next three drafts while also retaining their first-round selections in each upcoming draft. This stockpile of assets positions the Kings well, either to bolster their roster for a push toward the playoffs or to leverage these picks for future trades.
Future Prospects
In addition to their robust draft strategy, the Kings currently have over $17 million in salary cap space, allowing for further flexibility in player acquisitions. Despite earlier reports suggesting Perry was interested in remaining in Los Angeles and seeking an extension, it appears he is open to the opportunity of joining old teammates in Tampa Bay, where he spent two seasons with the Lightning during their recent playoff runs.
Perry has reached the Stanley Cup Finals five times in the last six seasons, and with Tampa leading the Atlantic Division, he might add to that impressive tally.
