Lightning Reunite With Veteran Winger The Tampa Bay Lightning have completed a trade ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, bringing back a familiar face to bolster their playoff push. The team, a dominant force in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference, acquired veteran winger Corey Perry from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a second-round draft pick. This move adds depth to their roster as they aim to secure a Stanley Cup title. Perry, a seasoned forward with over 1,400 regular-season NHL games and 237 playoff contests under his belt, returns to Tampa Bay for the second time in his career. He previously played for the Lightning during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons before joining the Kings in the offseason. Despite his extensive experience, Perry has yet to win the Stanley Cup, having come close on multiple occasions. The Lightning see this trade as an opportunity to reignite his playoff success. The Kings, who had high hopes of becoming a Stanley Cup contender this season, struggled to integrate their summer acquisitions. Perry, however, emerged as their most impactful addition, posting 11 goals and 28 points in 50 games. His physicality and ability to create scoring chances at the net were key factors in his performance. The Lightning believe his skills will enhance their power-play unit and provide a reliable presence on the bottom-six lines. Tampa Bay’s management emphasized that the trade aligns with their strategy to strengthen their roster despite limited draft picks and salary cap flexibility. Perry’s addition is expected to elevate the team’s chances in the Eastern Conference, where they remain a top contender.#tampa_bay_lightning #corey_perry #los_angeles_kings #nhl_trade_deadline #stanley_cup
Los Angeles Kings Trade Corey Perry To Tampa Bay Lightning The Los Angeles Kings have completed another trade in their ongoing effort to reshape their roster, sending right winger Corey Perry to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a second-round draft pick. The deal, confirmed by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and TSN’s Chris Johnston, marks the second major move for the Kings this week after they previously sent forward Warren Foegele to the Ottawa Senators. According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Lightning are acquiring the second-round pick for the 2028 NHL Draft. Perry, who had to waive his no-trade clause to accept the deal, will remain under contract with the Kings for the 2024-25 season. The team will retain 50% of his $2 million salary cap hit, and Perry is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2025. The trade adds to the Kings’ growing collection of draft assets. Following the Foegele deal, the Kings already secured three second-round picks for the 2026 draft. With the Perry trade, they now hold six second-round selections across the next three drafts. Additionally, the Kings retain all three of their first-round picks for each upcoming draft, significantly bolstering their flexibility for future trades or draft picks. General manager Rob Holland’s decision to trade Perry appears aimed at either acquiring prospects at the upcoming draft or consolidating assets for a potential playoff push. The Kings now boast over $17 million in salary cap space, providing financial flexibility to address other roster needs. Despite reports suggesting Perry had expressed interest in staying with the Kings and pursuing a contract extension, the trade indicates he was open to reuniting with former teammates.#los_angeles_kings #tampa_bay_lightning #corey_perry #rob_holland #nhl_draft
