Corey Perry Returns to Tampa Bay Lightning

0:00You're listening to NHL News today. Subscribe now for fast daily updates on your team. The Tampa Bay Lightning just brought back veteran-winger Corey Perry from the Los Angeles Kings ahead of the 2026 trade deadline. In exchange, the Kings got a 2028 second-round draft pick while retaining half of Perry's $2 million cap hit. The 40-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent. Perry previously suited up for Tampa Bay during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, reaching the Stanley Cup. Final once in that stretch. He's been on a hot playoff streak, making the final in five of the last six years with different teams, including recent runs with the Edmonton Oilers. This season in Los Angeles, Perry posted 11 goals in 28 points in 50 games, solid numbers despite the Kings' struggling. He had a full, no-trade clause, but waved it on Friday after initially wanting to stay long-term. Tampa Bay's GM Julian Brice Boys loves loading up on proven vets like this.

1:03Meanwhile, the Lightning sit-atop the Atlantic Division, with 80 points, holding the second best record in the Eastern Conference. The Kings trail Seattle by three points for the second wildcard spot, giving Perry a much brighter shot at deep playoff success. Perry's chasing his first cup since 2007 with Anaheim after heartbreaking final losses to Tampa Bay twice in other scents. This reunion could give the bolts the edge for a third title in eight years, though nothing is guaranteed in the playoffs. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor, linked in the description. No need to switch positions. The sound is already where your head is. is to PI