Anaheim Ducks: Raise, Call Fold – The future of Corey Perry

At Pucks of a Feather have a game we refer to as Raise, Call, Fold. This time around our subject is Anaheim Ducks right wing, Corey Perry.

Covering the Anaheim Ducks is serious business. After a long month, some of the staff here at Pucks of a Feather decided to have a little fun with a topic. We have a game we refer to as Raise, Call, Fold. The rules are easy. When you agree with the statement – Raise. When you disagree – Fold. Somewhere between the two – Call.

Today the subject is Anaheim Ducks alternate captain Corey Perry.

1. He has three years left on a contract with a cap hit of $8.625M per season, Corey Perry will finish out his contract with the Ducks.

Ed Stein – Fold. Perry is a member of the Anaheim Ducks this year and next for sure. The final season 2020-21, I don’t think so. His cap hit is $8.625M, but to buy him out the Ducks would pay $1.333M, that year and next. His cap hit would then be $5.958 in 2020-21 and 1.333M in 2021-22. That also makes him a perfect trade asset to send to a team struggling to reach the cap floor, if Perry agrees to waive his no-movement clause (NMC).

Kenny Marcial –  Raise. With CP10’s salary, no movement clause, and age, I find it highly unlikely we’ll find a suitable trade. We’d either have to retain salary or take a poor contract in return. Perry wasn’t nearly as bad last season as the prior, so I’d rather use his experience on a line with Kase and Henrique.

Chris Bushell – Raise. Not only am I expecting big things from Perry after being called out numerous times by GMBM, but also his contract is virtually impossible to move. He’d only accept a move to a contender and no contender will give you what you want for him which is prospects/picks.

Greg Johnson – Raise. Corey Perry controls the next three years. He has a full no-movement clause, and indications are he and his wife like living here. No matter how much Ducks fans have soured on Perry, he will stay here for three more years.

Ciara Durant – Raise. I don’t think Corey Perry will be going anywhere anytime soon. He definitely has some things he has to work on. I also think he’s the kind of player who wants to prove to everyone that he can do better after a few difficult seasons. Especially after the “subtle” remarks from GMBM that were obviously directed at him.

Nevertheless, he is still one of the Ducks top point producers. All things considered, that has to count for something. Plus, he has an NMC and I don’t think any other team would give him what he wants for all the hassle. I’m hopeful we will see the old CP10 out on the ice this season!

Jake Robles – Raise – I don’t think anybody in the league would be willing to take on a huge contract like his.

2. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry should play together on the first line.

Kenny Marcial – Fold. Murray wants to play a faster game, so the RPG line will have to end. The league is trending towards combining players lacking speed with faster linemates. Winnipeg did it with Paul Stastny and the results were fantastic. It’s why I see the Ducks placing Perry on a line with Kase and Henrique. Eaves return ensures Perry will no longer be on Getzlaf’s wing.

Greg Johnson – Call. If Eaves can revive his chemistry with Getzlaf, there is no need to keep CP10 on the first line. He (Perry) slots in well with Henrique as well.

Ciara Durant – Call. I’m going to say this is conditional based on Perry’s performance. If he starts the season on a good note, I could see him being on the same line as Getzlaf and Rakell. However, I honestly believe that Perry’s talents could be utilized better on a different line. Getzlaf and Rakell always have great chemistry and energy out on the ice.

With Perry, it’s not always a guarantee. I think if you stick him on a line with some younger guys he might be able to push himself a little more to keep up and get faster and his experience could benefit them as well. Plus there could always be a little more cohesion within the team. With all that being said, I’ll leave that up to the coaching staff.

Jake Robles – Call. Personally, I’d put him down lower in the lineup on the third line but if they can re-spark some chemistry for more than a game or so, I’d be ok with them being together.

Ed Stein – Fold. If Patrick Eaves is back to the Patrick Eaves that came to the Ducks in 2017, Carlyle should let him play with Getzlaf. Perry then goes to the second line with Adam Henrique and Ondrej Kase, who moves to the left side.

Chris Bushell – Call. This one needs to be a “feel” based on how the two look and the rest of the team as this season gets rolling. I’m not opposed to it but there are other players capable if they can’t play together.

3. The Ducks will strip Perry of his “A” this year

Jake Robles – Fold. I think stripping him would be a tad drastic. I think Murray’s done a good job of making it known he needs to step his game up through calling him out in talks with the media.

Ed Stein – Fold. At a draft interview, it sure sounded like Bob Murray had a bone to pick with him. It’s always risky business to strip a respected player of his letter. Another year like the last one, however, and the “A” is gone.

Kenny Marcial –  Call. If Kesler was healthy, I would have likely been “All-in.” RK17 should be focusing on keeping his body healthy and one of our defensemen need to step up and replace his leadership. It wouldn’t surprise me if Carlyle looked to Rakell as a potential replacement for Perry, but it’s a toss-up.

Ciara Durant – Fold.: I don’t see why this is necessary. This is the same argument I heard a few years back about stripping Getzlaf of the “C.” It’s an unmerited argument. If RK17 doesn’t play they will definitely have to find a replacement for him and I’ve mentioned before I think Fowler will be given the chance to step up.

I don’t think Perry will be stripped of his “A” though. Being a leader entails much more than just how you play on the ice. He has great leadership qualities that, when paired with Getzlaf as captain, are well utilized within the team. Getzlaf and Perry may not always have the best chemistry on the ice, but together they are a true picture of leadership and unity. It’s a wonderful example to the rest of the team. I see no need to change that right now.

Chris Bushell – Fold. He’s one of the only players left with a Cup and been on several deep runs with this team. He’s an emotional leader and does know what it takes to win. Stripping him of the A at this point shows a lack of cohesion and not something you want with so many young guys poised to make the jump.

Greg Johnson – Fold. Getzlaf, Fowler, and who? The Captain probably still wants his old friend on his leadership team. Perry only loses the “A” if Getzlaf says he does. Of course, the rest of the league will still think Perry is an “A” regardless of any letter on his chest.