Corey Perry out as Kings open vs. Avalanche after knee surgery
Oct, 9 2025
When Corey Perry, a 39‑year‑old forward for the Los Angeles Kings underwent knee surgery on September 13, 2025, the league’s newest veteran addition was instantly out of the lineup for the franchise’s season‑opening matchup against the Colorado Avalanche at Crypto.com Arena. The injury, sustained during a captain’s skate on September 12, has forced the Kings to reshuffle their opening night roster and has left fans wondering how the team will cope without Perry’s veteran presence.
Injury details and recovery timeline
The knee injury was the result of a non‑contact slip during a preseason skate session held at the Kings’ practice facility on Friday, September 12, 2025. Medical staff confirmed a partially torn meniscus, prompting immediate surgery the next day. The Kings released a statement on September 14, outlining an expected 6‑to‑8‑week rehabilitation period.
Head coach Jim Hiller gave an update on October 6, noting that Perry had “just stepped onto the ice for the first time since the surgery and is feeling good, but he’s still a ways off from full practice.” Hiller added that the plan is to bring Perry along on the road to Las Vegas for the team’s second game, hoping the change of scenery will aid his integration once he’s medically cleared.
Impact on the opening night roster
Besides Perry, the Kings also entered the night without defenseman Kyle Burroughs, who was placed on injured reserve after an upper‑body collision in the final preseason game. That left coach Hiller with only seven defensemen to fill a 20‑man roster, a scenario that forced the decision to start rookie defenseman Dylan Larkin in a top‑pair role.
The loss of Perry’s 18‑year NHL experience, including a 2022 Stanley Cup win with the Edmonton Oilers, also removes a key power‑play unit leader. The Kings had envisioned Perry anchoring the left‑wing and mentoring younger forwards like Zach Boxberger and Nicolas Deslauriers. Without him, the first line will rely heavily on Mikael Backlund and Jordan Kyrou to generate offense.
Coaches and management weigh in
General manager Ken Holland, who signed Perry during the 2025 free‑agent period, expressed disappointment but optimism. “Corey’s a dude who brings a level of professionalism that helps set the tone in the locker room,” Holland said in a press conference on October 5. “His health comes first, and we’ll have him back when he’s ready – the team’s a long‑term project, not just one night.”
Hiller echoed Holland’s sentiment, emphasizing that the team’s “identity” will be forged through collective effort rather than relying on a single veteran. “We’ve got a deep group of grinders. The kids are hungry, and they’ll step up,” he said, before adding, “If Corey can join us in Vegas, that’ll be a huge morale boost.”
What the next weeks could hold
- Potential return window: Based on the 6‑8 week timetable, Perry could be game‑ready between October 24 and November 6, 2025.
- Road trip integration: The Kings travel to Las Vegas for the second game on October 14, offering Perry a low‑pressure environment to practice with the roster.
- Power‑play adjustments: The coaching staff will likely shuffle the power‑play unit, possibly moving Mattias Janmark onto the first unit.
- Roster depth moves: If Perry’s recovery stalls, the Kings may call up a forward from their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, to fill the right‑wing spot.
The next few weeks will be a critical test of the Kings’ depth. Analysts from ESPN and The Athletic have already projected that a delayed return could impact the team’s early points haul, especially given the Avalanche’s strong start to the season.
Historical context: Perry’s career and the Kings’ veteran strategy
Corey Perry entered the NHL in 2005 with the Anaheim Ducks, earning the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Award in 2011. Over a 19‑year career, he amassed 1,200 + points, three Hart Trophy finalist nods, and a reputation as a clutch playoff performer. The Kings, after a decade of rebuilding, targeted Perry as a “final piece” to mentor a young core that includes Adrian Kempe and Dylan Cozens.
The franchise’s recent strategy has involved signing seasoned forwards – recall the 2023 acquisition of Tom Wilson – to provide leadership while developing home‑grown talent. Perry’s injury is therefore more than a single loss; it’s a setback to a broader plan aimed at shifting the Kings from a rebuilding phase to a playoff contender by the 2026 season.
Key Facts
- Injury date: September 12, 2025 (captain’s skate)
- Surgery: September 13, 2025 (meniscus repair)
- Recovery estimate: 6‑8 weeks (Oct 24‑Nov 6 possible return)
- Opening night opponent: Colorado Avalanche at Crypto.com Arena
- Other injured player: Defenseman Kyle Burroughs (upper‑body)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Corey Perry expected to return to the lineup?
The Kings’ medical staff has projected a 6‑to‑8‑week recovery, placing Perry’s earliest realistic return between October 24 and November 6, 2025, assuming no setbacks during rehab.
How will Perry’s absence affect the Kings’ power‑play unit?
Perry was slated to anchor the left side of the power‑play. In his stead, coach Jim Hiller is likely to promote Mattias Janmark and shift veteran Mikael Backlund into a larger role, which could temporarily reduce the unit’s scoring efficiency.
What does the injury mean for the Kings’ veteran‑led roster strategy?
The setback underscores the risk of relying heavily on short‑term veteran contracts. Management may look to bolster depth by promoting from the AHL or pursuing additional free‑agents before the trade deadline.
Will the Kings travel to Las Vegas without Perry?
Yes. The team’s second game is scheduled for October 14 in Las Vegas. Perry is expected to join the travel roster for the road trip, even though he likely won’t dress for the game.
How have the Avalanche prepared for the Kings’ opening night lineup?
Colorado arrived with a full‑strength squad, including captain Gabriel Landeskog healthy for the first time this season. Their coaching staff expects a high‑tempo game, banking on depth scoring to offset the Kings’ missing veterans.