The Anaheim Ducks have done what would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Corey Perry has been bought out. Like Dion Phaneuf recently, Perry did not need to be placed on waivers first because of his no-movement clause. The 34-year old forward has two years remaining on his contract at an $8.625MM cap hit, meaning the buyout will cause the following cap hits for the next four years (via CapFriendly):
- 2019-20: $2.625MM
- 2020-21: $6.625MM
- 2021-22: $2.00MM
- 2022-23: $2.00MM
As discussed earlier this month, moving on from Perry may be more about the opportunity it will provide for the Ducks next wave of forwards. The deal will obviously save them some cap space next season, but because of the way his contract is structured—Perry was owed a $3MM signing bonus prior to the 2020-21 season—it will give them very little savings afterwards. In fact, the team is swallowing an additional two years of $2MM in order to get him off the roster, a big ask for a player who was once the franchise’s brightest star.
Perry was selected 28th overall in the 2003 draft and developed into one of the most dynamic goal scorers in the entire NHL. He was a huge part of the Ducks’ 2007 Stanley Cup run, scoring 15 points in 21 games. In 2010-11 he lit the lamp 50 times, leading to him taking home the Rocket Richard and Hart trophies at the end of the year. He cracked the 30-goal mark four more times after that, but hasn’t been the same player in recent seasons.
In fact, Perry hasn’t even scored 20 goals in a single season since 2015-16 and missed most of last year with injury. Ten points in 31 games was all he could muster, leading to this moment where he will depart the only franchise he has ever known. The Ducks will take the minutes and money allocated to Perry—Ryan Kesler and Patrick Eaves too—and give younger players like Max Jones, Troy Terry, Daniel Sprong, Kiefer Sherwood, Max Comtois and Sam Steel, the next group of core forwards in Anaheim.
The question now however becomes whether or not Perry can find work somewhere else. It’s not often that a player with 372 career goals comes available, but there’s absolutely no guarantee he can ever be that kind of player again. A one-year deal may make the most sense in order for Perry to prove he can still compete at the NHL level, but it’s not clear yet who would be interested in giving it to him.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
:(. Sad because of what he’s done for the team and thinking of him in another uni. Happy to make space for our younger wingers though. Tough day for the Anaheim fanbase, but one that doesn’t shock us too much.
What has he done since 2010? Led the team to four straight game 7 home losses. He’s HORRIBLE to kids in the community. So much so CHOC doesn’t want him around the sick kids. Fan base? They were embarrassed by his antics. Anything else?
I’ll wait.
World class A-Hole on the ice. Didn’t know he was a prick in the community too. Makes sense.
the end of an era
What do you mean sheff about him in the community? I never really heard anything like that about him before.
just like everyone on this site. they all have dirt one each of the game’s most iconic players.
no one has ever said that about him. He was great to the fans and always up to sign an auto. The guy is the quiet type but didn’t mean he wasn’t cool. Sounds like you just dont like him lol.
Simple question can a player that gets bought out resign with that team again (not that it would ever happen)
You’re an idiot Sheff
He wasn’t and isn’t. He was always the shy guy but never did anything to piss off the fans, except not produce with a big contract. He was very involved with the community. Don’t believe the crap sheff spews.
No not the year after the buyout
He would fill the Kessel void for cheap if he wants to compete for a cup…just sayin
Ty
If Sean Avery and Keith Tkachuk had a baby together it would be Corey Perry. Very productive player and world class a-hole. I assume if he continues playing it will be with a Western Conference team. But I really would love to see him spread his joy in the East so I won’t have to see him as much.
wah wah wah
He must of not given you an Autograph once ehh! I’m doubting you even know what your talking about? Very Appropriate High Plains Dufus,you obviously have problems,I hope you get them fixed or give us some facts not some Space Odyssey.
I guess you haven’t been reading the articles lately… Kessel is staying
I could see him taking a cheap 1 year deal with a contender to prove himself as healthy and productive again before finding a multi year deal next summer to finish his career. Would fit in nice in Washington, filling in for oshie to start the season as he works back then moving down to the third line and replacing Connelly
I have never heard of him being horrible to kids. How about you elaborate and give examples that can be proven.