End of an Era: Ducks Buy Out Corey Perry

Photo: Associated Press

By Richard Gonzalez

The Anaheim Ducks have announced that they have bought out forward Corey Perry. Perry has spent his entire career with the Ducks, who drafted him in the first round, 28th overall, in the 2003 NHL entry draft. Perry has played in 988 games scoring 776 points (372 goals and 404 assists) with the Ducks organization. 56 of those games and 25 points (13 goals and 12 assists) came when the Ducks had the Mighty attached to their name. He also played in 118 playoff games scoring 89 points (36 goals and 53 assists).

Perry has won a Stanley Cup, Maurice Richard Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, two Olympic gold medals, multiple All-Star game appearances and most games played in Ducks’ franchise history.

TSN Analyst Pierre LeBrun talked about this on the TSN Insider Trading show regarding Perry and the Ducks being on the same page about parting ways via a trade or buyout. The decision on where he would be traded to would have been Perry’s ultimate choice due to his no-movement clause in his contract.

According to LeBrun, the Ducks were provided with a 4-6 team trade list from Perry but could not work out a deal and was subsequently bought out. The Ducks still had time to work out a deal. The buyout window closes on June 30th.

Perry’s buy out saves the Ducks six million dollars this upcoming season (2019-20), two million dollars next season (2020-21) and will cost the Ducks two million dollars for the 2021-22 and 2022-2023 seasons. The Ducks will have a cap hit of $2.625 million dollars for this upcoming season, a cap hit of $6.625 million dollars next season and cap hits of two million dollars the following two seasons.

This is pretty shocking news when it first broke out because Perry and the Ducks seemed like their ties would never end. Most of us thought he would retire as a Ducks player. There is still that possibility in the future but Perry will be in another team’s jersey next season. A move of this magnitude is something new to Ducks fans. There has been talk of change and how the team wants to get younger and faster but not really any significant action has been the last few seasons.

I do not really like the buyout this soon. The Ducks will be responsible for playing Perry for the next four seasons to include a six million dollar plus cap hit next season. There still was time to try and work out something in terms of a trade but it seems the Ducks want to focus on moving forward with improving the team. That is my only problem with the buyout but if all options were explored then I feel it was time and the right move to make.

I do like the fact that the Ducks are making significant changes to get better, faster and younger. I know this had to be a difficult decision for the Ducks organization to make but I feel it is time for a drastic change. Perry has not performed to his contract value and his lack of production and speed has been a concern.

This move sends a big message to the players and I know they are feeling the shock of Perry no longer being a Ducks player. “It’s a really tough day for all of us,” Ryan Getzlaf wrote in a text via LeBrun. “I love that guy and have been through everything with him in one way or another.” This buyout gives the Ducks flexibility to go after a bigger named free-agent or to give the younger guys more responsibility and a chance to develop into a top forward. It is an opportunity for someone to step up and hopefully become our next top scoring forward.

Perry will definitely be missed and will always be a Ducks player. I wish him nothing but the best and really pulling for him on having success next season. My favorite memory was his overtime goal against the Oilers in that #ComeBackOnKatella game. Thank you, Corey Perry.

He will officially hit the free agent market come July 1. Which team do you think or would not mind him signing with? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments.

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

June 19th, 2019