Concerning report on new Kings wing Corey Perry's health emerges

New Los Angeles Kings forward Corey Perry was reportedly injured in an on-ice incident at the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo, according to the staff at Mayor’s Manor. The outlet reports that Perry "was said to be taken off the ice in a wheelchair for further medical evaluation."

There’s little information regarding the injury, and it’s unknown at this point if Perry suffered the injury as a result of contact or not. The only information that Mayor’s Manor could provide was that the injury happened along the boards, not on open ice.

Report states Corey Perry's "status is now in question"

It would obviously be a significant blow to Perry and the Kings after the 41-year-old veteran signed a one-year, $2M contract with Los Angeles at the beginning of the offseason, if he misses significant time due to the injury. Perry was expected to contribute in a bottom-six role, both for his offensive and leadership abilities.

Outside of his 14-year career with the Anaheim Ducks, which included a Stanley Cup ring in 2007 and a Hart Memorial and Maurice Richard Trophy in 2011, Perry’s career has become a point of fascination over the last few seasons. Perry has reached the Stanley Cup Final five out of six times since signing with the Dallas Stars before the 2019-20 season, after being bought out by the Ducks, but he lost each time.

Still, he’s been able to stay relevant and productive in the twilight years of his career. Split between the Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers, Perry has scored 76 goals and 159 points in 404 games while averaging 12:51 of ice time per game. Throughout his past six playoff runs, the veteran winger has recorded 28 goals and 52 points in 119 games, averaging 13:17 per game.

Fortunately, the Kings have compiled enough depth, especially on the wing, to sustain such an injury. While Perry’s potential replacement may not have the same value, players like Akil Thomas, Andre Lee, Jeff Malott or Taylor Ward could temporarily fulfill the role.