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
