Kings Roster Moves: Corey Perry Activated, Anze Kopitar Placed on IR

October 22, 2025

Kings‘ Perry Returns As Kopitar Hits Injured Reserve

St. Louis – Veteran Forward Corey Perry is set to make his season debut with the Los Angeles Kings Tonight, after recovering from a knee injury sustained during pre-season training. The Kings will face off against the St. Louis Blues, marking Perry’s 21st National Hockey League season.

Perry’s Return and Kopitar’s injury

The 40-year-old Perry, a former NHL Most Valuable Player in 2011, underwent surgery to address the knee ailment and exceeded initial recovery projections of six to eight weeks. He signed with the Kings as a free agent last summer, adding substantial experience to their forward lines. Perry previously spent 14 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, and has also played for the dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, and Edmonton Oilers.

Though, the kings’ lineup will be without Captain Anze Kopitar, who was placed on injured reserve after suffering a foot injury during a game against the Minnesota Wild earlier this month. Kopitar, in his 20th NHL season, announced recently that he will retire at the close of the current season.

Kings Face Early-Season Challenges

The Kings have experienced a challenging start to the 2025-2026 season, currently holding a 1-3-2 record with a four-game losing streak. They will be seeking to turn things around as they embark on a five-game road trip that begins with Tuesday’s contest in St. Louis.

Did You Know? Corey Perry has reached the Stanley Cup Final in five of the last six seasons, though has not yet lifted the coveted trophy.

Player	Injury	Status
Corey Perry	Knee	Active – Returning to Lineup
Anze Kopitar	Foot	Injured Reserve

The value of Veteran Leadership in Hockey

The presence of players like Corey perry is invaluable to any team. Veteran players bring not only skill but also a wealth of experience and leadership qualities that can significantly impact team dynamics. Their ability to mentor younger players and remain composed under pressure is often critical, especially during challenging times in a season.

Pro Tip: Following injury updates closely can be a key strategy for fantasy hockey enthusiasts. Knowing which players are in and out of the lineup can provide a significant advantage.

frequently Asked Questions

• What is Corey perry’s injury history? Perry recently recovered from a knee injury and had surgery to address it, but before that, he has had a relatively injury-free career.
• How significant is Anze Kopitar’s injury for the Kings? Kopitar’s injury is a significant blow, given his status as captain and a key player.
• What is Anze Kopitar’s expected recovery timeline? Kopitar is currently listed as week-to-week with a foot injury.
• What is the Los Angeles Kings’ current record? The Kings currently have a 1-3-2 record to start the season.
• Has Corey Perry ever won a Stanley Cup? While he has reached the Stanley Cup Final five times, Perry has not yet won the championship.

what are your predictions for the Kings this season with these key player updates? Do you think Perry’s return can spark a turnaround for the team?

How does Anze Kopitar’s IR placement specifically impact teh Kings’ center depth and overall team strategy?

Perry Returns, Kopitar Sidelined: Impact on the Kings’ Lineup

The Los Angeles Kings announced important roster moves today, October 22, 2025, activating veteran forward Corey Perry and placing captain Anze Kopitar on Injured Reserve (IR). These changes will undoubtedly reshape the Kings’ forward lines and special teams as they navigate a crucial stretch of the early NHL season. This article breaks down the implications of these moves for fantasy hockey,the Kings’ overall performance,and potential line combinations.

Anze Kopitar’s Injury and IR Placement

Anze kopitar sustained an upper-body injury during Tuesday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights. While the exact nature of the injury hasn’t been disclosed, the team confirmed he will be placed on IR, meaning he’ll be out for a minimum of 24 days. this is a considerable blow to the Kings,as Kopitar is a cornerstone of their offense and a key player in all situations.

* Impact on Center Depth: Kopitar’s absence creates a significant hole at center. He consistently logs heavy minutes and is relied upon for faceoffs, penalty killing, and offensive zone playmaking.

* Fantasy Hockey Implications: Kopitar’s IR placement immediately impacts fantasy hockey rosters. Owners will need to find replacements for his production, which typically includes goals, assists, and valuable faceoff wins.

* Historical Context: Kopitar has been remarkably durable throughout his career, making this extended absence notably noteworthy. Prior injuries have typically been short-lived, but this IR stint suggests a more significant issue.

corey Perry Activated: What to Expect

Corey Perry, who has been recovering from an off-season shoulder surgery, has been cleared to return to the lineup. The 39-year-old brings a wealth of experience, grit, and a knack for scoring timely goals.

* Line Placement: Perry is expected to slot into the bottom-six forward group, perhaps on the third line. Coach Todd McLellan will likely ease him back into the lineup with limited minutes initially.

* Power Play Potential: Perry’s net-front presence makes him a valuable asset on the power play.Expect him to see time with the second unit, providing a scoring threat and creating chaos in front of the net.

* Leadership Role: Even as a veteran depth player,Perry’s leadership and experience will be crucial for the younger players on the Kings roster. He’s known for his work ethic and willingness to mentor.

projected Line Combinations Following the Moves

With kopitar on IR and Perry activated, here’s a look at potential line combinations the Kings might deploy:

1. First Line: Adrian Kempe – Phillip Danault – Kevin Fiala
2. Second Line: Trevor Moore – Pierre-Luc Dubois – Viktor Arvidsson
3. Third Line: Corey Perry – Blake Lizotte – Jaret Anderson-dolan
4. Fourth Line: Matt Roy – Rasmus Kupari – Samuel Fagemo

These lines are subject to change based on performance and game situations.The kings coaching staff will likely experiment with different combinations to find the optimal balance.

Impact on Special Teams

* Power Play: Perry’s addition to the second power play unit will provide a different look and potentially increase scoring opportunities. Kopitar’s absence will be felt on the first unit, requiring adjustments to their setup and playcalling.

* Penalty Kill: Kopitar is a key penalty killer. His absence will necessitate increased responsibility from other forwards,such as Danault and Moore. Perry, while not a primary penalty killer, can contribute in short-handed situations with his experience and positioning.

Looking Ahead: Kings’ Schedule and Opponents

The Kings face a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, with matchups against several Western Conference contenders. Successfully navigating this stretch without Kopitar will be crucial for maintaining their position in the standings. Key upcoming games include:

* October 25th vs. Edmonton Oilers

* October 28th vs. Calgary Flames

* November 1st vs. Vancouver Canucks

Analyzing the Kings’ Forward Depth

The Kings’ forward depth has been tested early in the season. The Kopitar injury highlights the importance of having reliable players ready to step into key roles. Players like Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Rasmus Kupari will have opportunities to showcase their abilities and earn increased ice time. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain a competitive level will be a key indicator of their potential for success this season.

Perry’s Past Performance & Potential Contribution

Corey Perry’s career speaks for itself. A Stanley Cup champion with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007, he’s consistently been a productive player throughout his NHL tenure. While his scoring numbers have declined in recent years, his hockey IQ, positioning, and ability to win battles remain valuable assets. His experience playing in high-pressure situations could be particularly beneficial for the Kings during Kopitar’s absence.

Kopitar’s Injury History: A Brief Overview

While Kopitar has generally been a durable player,