Corey Perry Returns to Kings Amid Team Struggles

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The Los Angeles Kings activated forward Corey Perry from injured reserve on Tuesday, allowing him to start his 21st NHL season. He is set to play against the St. Louis Blues after recovering from a knee injury.

Perry, 40, signed with the Kings as a free agent last summer but suffered the injury while skating prior to training camp in September. He underwent surgery and exceeded expectations by returning soon after a projected six to eight weeks of recovery.

In his long career, Perry has played for several teams, including the Kings’ rivals, the Anaheim Ducks. He has been a key player in many playoff campaigns, featuring in the Stanley Cup Final five times in the past six seasons, though he has yet to win during that stretch.

Meanwhile, Kings captain Anze Kopitar was placed on injured reserve after suffering a foot injury during a recent game against Minnesota. The Slovenian forward has announced plans to retire at the end of the season, having had a distinguished career marked by two Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014.

Despite their current struggles, the Kings are looking to turn things around after a 1-3-2 start, which includes a four-game losing streak. Tonight’s game against the Blues is the first of a five-game road trip.

Kopitar has played in 1,458 games, accumulating 1,282 points with 440 goals and 842 assists. Perry, on the other hand, has recorded 935 points in 1,392 games with 448 goals and 487 assists throughout his career.