‘It was tough leaving Edmonton’: Corey Perry explains signing with rival Kings

Corey Perry’s recent decision to leave the Edmonton Oilers and sign with their longtime rivals, the Los Angeles Kings, has stirred plenty of emotions—both for him personally and for fans on both sides. Known for his gritty play and veteran leadership, Perry’s move marks a significant chapter in his storied NHL career. In candid remarks following the signing, Perry opened up about how difficult it was to leave Edmonton, a city and team where he found a meaningful connection, even as he prepared to embark on a new journey with the Kings.

For Perry, Edmonton represented more than just another stop on his hockey journey. The Oilers provided an environment where he could contribute meaningfully, both on the ice and in the locker room. The city’s passionate fanbase and deep hockey culture made his time there memorable. Speaking openly, Perry acknowledged how tough it was to part ways with the team and the community that embraced him. “It was tough leaving Edmonton,” he said, underscoring the emotional weight of the decision. This sentiment resonates with many professional athletes who, despite the business side of sports, develop genuine bonds with teammates, coaches, and fans.

But despite the difficulty of leaving, Perry emphasized that signing with the Kings represented an exciting opportunity. Los Angeles offers a chance to join a talented roster in a major market, where he hopes to bring veteran experience and leadership to a young team striving to make a mark in the Western Conference. Perry’s track record of competitiveness and mentorship makes him a valuable asset, and he expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the Kings’ pursuit of playoff success. “It’s a new chapter, a fresh challenge,” he remarked, highlighting his readiness to embrace the change.

The move also carries the added drama of switching between two teams with a storied rivalry, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the transition. Rivalries in sports often run deep, fueled by history, competition, and passionate fanbases. For Perry, crossing that divide is both professionally significant and personally challenging. He acknowledged the mixed reactions such a move might elicit but stressed his focus remains on playing his best and helping his new team succeed. “At the end of the day, it’s about hockey and doing what I can to help the team,” he explained.

Fans and analysts have been quick to weigh in on the signing. Some see Perry’s move as a savvy acquisition for the Kings, bringing in a player with playoff experience and a gritty edge. Others understand the bittersweet nature of the departure for Edmonton supporters, who had come to appreciate Perry’s contributions. The dynamic reflects the often complicated nature of professional sports, where loyalty and business decisions intersect. Perry’s openness about his feelings adds a human dimension to what could otherwise be viewed purely as a transactional move.

Throughout his career, Corey Perry has built a reputation as a hard-nosed winger known for his ability to score timely goals and provide a physical presence. His leadership qualities, both on and off the ice, have earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike. Joining the Kings, he hopes to leverage that experience to elevate the team’s performance and help develop younger players. The transition to Los Angeles represents not just a change in jersey but a new role as a mentor and stabilizing presence.

For Edmonton, Perry’s departure leaves a gap, but it also highlights the team’s ongoing evolution. The Oilers have been balancing the integration of younger talent with the presence of established veterans, and Perry’s exit signals a new phase. While it’s hard to replace a player of his caliber and character, the organization remains focused on building a competitive roster capable of deep playoff runs. Perry’s candid remarks about leaving may also serve as a reminder of the strong culture the Oilers are cultivating—one where players form lasting connections with the community and each other.

As Perry settles into life with the Kings, all eyes will be on how he adapts and contributes in his new environment. His experience and competitive fire could prove invaluable in a conference that remains fiercely contested. For Perry personally, the move represents both a professional challenge and an emotional journey, leaving behind a city he grew to respect while embracing the possibilities ahead. His honest reflections remind fans that behind every trade or signing lies a complex web of feelings, ambitions, and decisions.

In the broader scope of NHL moves, Corey Perry’s signing with the Kings underscores the realities of the sport—where change is constant, but the human side of the game remains ever-present. Players like Perry, who openly share their emotions and motivations, help fans connect more deeply with the game and understand that beyond the ice, hockey is about people, communities, and the pursuit of excellence. For now, Perry’s chapter in Los Angeles is just beginning, but his time in Edmonton will not soon be forgotten by those who followed his journey.