Ducks buy out Perry after 14 seasons
Corey Perry's days with the Anaheim Ducks have officially come to an end.
The Ducks have finalized a buyout for the 14-year veteran, the team announced Wednesday. Perry's not expected to be placed on waivers due to his no-movement clause and will head straight to free agency, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli.
Perry had two years left on his contract with an annual cap hit of $8.62 million. The buyout saves the Ducks $6 million in cap space and gives them a projected $15.12 million remaining with a roster of 17 skaters, according to CapFriendly.
"This is one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make in my 44 years in the NHL," Ducks GM Bob Murray said, according to The Athletic's Eric Stephens. "Corey gave everything to this franchise for 14 years, never giving an inch to his competitors. While his scoring touch is undeniable, his will to win became his greatest attribute."
Anaheim reportedly explored the trade market for the 34-year-old, but the Ducks only had four-to-six teams to work with because of the no-movement clause, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
The Ontario native is a four-time All-Star and captured both the Hart and Maurice Richard Trophy after his 50-goal campaign in 2011.
Perry was drafted by the Ducks with the 28th overall selection in 2003 and has spent each of his 14 seasons in Anaheim. He leads the franchise in games played with 988, and his 372 career goals and 776 points rank second and third, respectively, in team history.
In 2007, Perry recorded six goals and 15 points in 21 postseason contests to help the Ducks capture their first and only Stanley Cup.