Kings' Corey Perry Won't Be Traded Ahead of Deadline

The veteran forward has informed the team he wants to stay in Los Angeles.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Despite being in trade rumors, Los Angeles Kings forward Corey Perry has told the team he wants to remain with the organization. The Kings have struggled this season and are unlikely to be major buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, but Perry has expressed a desire to stay and potentially sign a contract extension after the deadline passes.

Why it matters

The Kings have had a difficult season, including the recent firing of their head coach, and are currently on the outside of the playoff picture in the Western Conference. Keeping a veteran like Perry, who has provided some offensive production, could help stabilize the team as they try to turn things around down the stretch.

The details

Corey Perry signed a one-year deal with the Kings in the offseason and has 11 goals and 17 assists through 49 games this season. Despite the team's struggles, the 37-year-old forward has informed the organization that he wants to stay in Los Angeles rather than be traded to a contender ahead of the deadline.

  • The Kings fired their head coach earlier this season.
  • The NHL trade deadline is approaching on March 3, 2026.

The players

Corey Perry

A 37-year-old forward who signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings in the offseason.

Frank Seravalli

An NHL insider who reported that Perry has informed the Kings he wants to stay with the team.

Artemi Panarin

A star forward who the Kings were hoping could help improve their struggling offense this season.

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What they’re saying

“Can take Corey Perry off the Trade Targets board, he's informed [the Kings] he wants to stay. They will talk contract extension after the deadline. Kings unlikely to buy or sell. Tough stretch. Fiala out. Kuzmenko and Armia may be out for remainder of the regular season.”

— Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The Kings will likely focus on trying to make a late-season push for the playoffs, with Corey Perry remaining a key part of their roster. They may also discuss a contract extension with Perry after the trade deadline passes.

The takeaway

Despite their struggles this season, the Kings have been able to retain a veteran leader in Corey Perry, who has chosen to stay with the team rather than pursue a trade to a contender. This decision could help provide stability and leadership as the Kings try to turn their season around in the final stretch.