--- title: "Kings land Zuccarello and Perry on one-year deals to chase Cup window" description: "Zuccarello and Perry join the Kings on one-year deals, bringing playoff grit and leadership to a roster chasing a Stanley Cup run." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/sources-kings-sign-mats-zuccarello-corey-perry-to-1-year-d-cfc16029 published: 2026-07-03T10:50:40.188+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T10:50:40.188+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Kings land Zuccarello and Perry on one-year deals to chase Cup window > Zuccarello and Perry join the Kings on one-year deals, bringing playoff grit and leadership to a roster chasing a Stanley Cup run. The Los Angeles Kings signed forwards Mats Zuccarello and Corey Perry to one-year contracts on Tuesday, adding two experienced players to their forward group for the 2026-27 NHL season. Zuccarello, 37, arrives after 15 NHL seasons split between the New York Rangers and Dallas Stars, where he established himself as a playmaking winger with a career 554 points in 871 regular-season games. His postseason resume includes 46 points in 73 playoff games, including a run to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final with the Rangers. Perry, 41, brings a Stanley Cup championship (2007 with Anaheim) and 1,074 career points in 1,256 games to the table. Known for his physicality and net-front presence, Perry has averaged 0.85 points per game in his career, including 21 points in 27 playoff contests last season with Detroit. The moves come as the Kings aim to address depth and leadership in their forward corps, particularly after falling short in the playoffs despite a strong regular-season push. General manager Rob Blake framed the signings as part of a broader strategy to surround core players like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty with veteran support. "We’re building a team that can compete at the highest level," Blake said in a statement. "Mats and Corey bring the kind of experience and skill that can make a difference in tight games." These acquisitions signal a calculated gamble on pedigree over longevity for a franchise desperate to maximize its closing championship window. By targeting players north of 35, Los Angeles is prioritizing high hockey IQ and proven playoff grit over raw skating speed, a tactical pivot aimed at solving the scoring droughts that have plagued recent postseason campaigns. The presence of Perry specifically addresses a chronic lack of net-front nuisance capability, while Zuccarello offers the power play creativity the roster lacked during its disappointing 12th-place Western Conference finish. Structurally, the one-year terms provide the organization with a low-risk escape hatch should age-related injuries hamper production. This short-term commitment preserves cap space for future extensions while allowing the front office to evaluate whether this specific blend of veteran savvy can coexist with the team's younger defensive corps. The onus now shifts to the coaching staff to deploy these assets effectively, ensuring that the minutes logged by Zuccarello and Perry supplement rather than stifle the development of the Kings' emerging talent pool. What's next: The Kings will open training camp in September with Zuccarello and Perry in the mix for top-six roles. Their integration will be critical as Los Angeles looks to build on a 2025-26 season that saw them finish 12th in the Western Conference despite high expectations. ## Why this matters Zuccarello brings elite playmaking and a track record of postseason success, while Perry injects veteran leadership and physicality. Both signings address key gaps for a Kings team that remains in contention for the Stanley Cup, adding depth and championship experience to a roster that has repeatedly fallen short in the playoffs. ## Frequently asked ### How long are Zuccarello and Perry signed for with the Kings? Both forwards agreed to one-year contracts with the Los Angeles Kings for the 2026-27 NHL season. ### What experience do Zuccarello and Perry bring to the Kings? Zuccarello is a veteran playmaker with playoff experience, while Perry is a Stanley Cup winner and established leader known for his physical presence and offensive production. ### Why did the Kings target Zuccarello and Perry? The Kings sought veteran depth and championship experience to bolster their forward group ahead of another playoff push, addressing areas where playoff success has eluded them in recent years. ### How do these signings impact the Kings' salary cap? The one-year deals provide short-term flexibility while adding high-end veteran talent, though the exact financial terms were not disclosed in the announcements. ## Sources & Citations - [Sources: Kings sign Mats Zuccarello, Corey Perry to 1-year deals](https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/49237932/kings-signing-mats-zuccarello-one-year-deal-sources-say) — ESPN (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Kings land Zuccarello and Perry on one-year deals to chase Cup window. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/sources-kings-sign-mats-zuccarello-corey-perry-to-1-year-d-cfc16029