Veteran forward Corey Perry was taken off the ice in a wheelchair after suffering an injury during practice at the Kings’ training facility in El Segundo, California.
The incident happened along the boards at the Toyota Sports Performance Center, though exact details of how Perry got hurt aren’t clear yet.
It’s a tough break for the 41-year-old who just joined the Kings this summer on a one-year, $2 million deal.
Perry’s been on quite a journey lately. He’s made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in five of the last six seasons – though he’s still chasing that elusive second championship ring.
His first Cup came back in 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks, where he spent 14 seasons and picked up both the Hart Trophy and Maurice Richard Trophy in 2011.
What’s pretty remarkable is how Perry’s managed to stay effective in his later years. Since leaving Anaheim, he’s put up solid numbers – 76 goals and 159 points in 404 games while playing for five different teams.
He’s been especially clutch in the playoffs too. Over his last six postseason runs, Perry’s racked up 28 goals and 52 points in 119 games.
The Kings brought him in this year to add some scoring punch and veteran leadership to their bottom six forwards. But they’ve got options if Perry misses time – young players like Akil Thomas, Andre Lee, Jeff Malott or Taylor Ward could step up to fill his spot.
The team hasn’t released any official update on Perry’s condition yet, but seeing a player leave practice in a wheelchair is never a good sign.
