NHL free agency 2019: Corey Perry to hit the market after Ducks' buyout

Drew Nantais

NHL free agency 2019: Corey Perry to hit the market after Ducks' buyout image

Big free-agency news come out of Anaheim on Wednesday, as the Ducks announced they've bought out Corey Perry's contract.

Reports of the move surfaced late Wednesday morning from TSN's Frank Seravali.

"This is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my 44 years in the NHL," Ducks general manager Bob Murray said in a statement. "We thank Corey for everything he’s meant to the Ducks organization. No matter what he elects to do from here, Corey, his wife, Blakeny, and his son, Griffin, will always be part of the Ducks family."

Perry had two years remaining on his current deal, and the Ducks were set to take a cap hit of $8.625 million in each of the next two seasons. With the move, Anaheim saves about $6 million in cap space.

The 33-year-old was originally drafted by Anaheim in with the 28th overall selection in the 2003 NHL Draft. The four-time All-Star spent 14 seasons with the Ducks, winning the Stanley Cup in 2007 and the Hart Trophy in 2011.

Perry played just 31 games for Anaheim last season due to injury. He scored six goals and tallied 10 points.

 

Drew Nantais