Four NHL Players Make Strong First Impressions with New Teams

Warren Foegele, Scott Laughton, Corey Perry, and Ryan Strome all shine in debuts with their new squads.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Four NHL players, including Warren Foegele, Scott Laughton, Corey Perry, and Ryan Strome, have made strong first impressions with their new teams after being traded ahead of the NHL trade deadline. Foegele scored a goal in his first game with the Ottawa Senators, Laughton tallied a goal for the Los Angeles Kings, Perry found the back of the net for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Strome recorded a goal and an assist for the Calgary Flames.

Why it matters

These players were acquired by their new teams to provide depth, scoring, and veteran leadership as their clubs push for the playoffs. Their immediate impacts show they can quickly adapt to new systems and teammates, which is crucial for teams looking to make a late-season surge.

The details

Warren Foegele was struggling with the Los Angeles Kings this season, but has already earned more playing time from Senators coach Travis Green after a strong debut. Scott Laughton saw limited minutes with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but interim Kings coach D.J. Smith gave him more ice time, which Laughton rewarded with a goal. Corey Perry, at age 40, showed he still has scoring touch in his return to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ryan Strome, who was struggling with the Anaheim Ducks, made an immediate impact with a goal and an assist for the Calgary Flames.

  • On Saturday, March 8, 2026, Warren Foegele scored a goal in his first game with the Ottawa Senators.
  • On Saturday, March 8, 2026, Scott Laughton scored a goal in his first game with the Los Angeles Kings.
  • On Saturday, March 8, 2026, Corey Perry scored a goal in his first game back with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
  • On Saturday, March 8, 2026, Ryan Strome recorded a goal and an assist in his first game with the Calgary Flames.

The players

Warren Foegele

A 29-year-old left winger who was acquired by the Ottawa Senators to provide speed and physicality to their bottom-six forward group.

Scott Laughton

A center who was traded to the Los Angeles Kings to help address their lack of quality depth down the middle.

Corey Perry

A 40-year-old right winger who returned to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he previously won a Stanley Cup.

Ryan Strome

A center who was acquired by the Calgary Flames to help replace some of the minutes they lost by trading veteran Nazem Kadri.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These four players have quickly made strong first impressions with their new teams, showing they can adapt to new systems and provide an immediate impact as their clubs push for the playoffs. Their performances highlight the importance of mid-season trades in the NHL, as teams look to add depth and scoring punch to their rosters.