Coach’s Corner: Corey Perry’s Future with the Anaheim Ducks is in Peril

Corey Perry’s future with the Anaheim Ducks is in peril. So, what does our resident coach have to say about it?

Welcome to the inaugural article of “Coach’s Corner”, I am Coach Black Mighty Duck (or Coach BMD), a moniker inspired by a former Youtube coach. This is where I will assess all the happening of our Anaheim Ducks from the point of view of a coach. Now without further ado, first up in the hot seat, Corey Perry‘s fate with the Anaheim Ducks.

**Disclaimer: “Coach’s Corner” is meant to be fun, so not everything written should be perceived as law. 

Are the Rumors True?

Over the past week, it was rumored, and then later confirmed, that the Ducks were looking at either trading or buying out the contract of Corey Perry. If a trade can’t be made then a buyout is the next option. Buyouts don’t start until June 15th so the Ducks have time to make a trade.

The Anaheim Ducks aren’t a team that makes it a habit of buying out their players, it isn’t the Samueli’s style. For those that don’t know, a buyout is where a team spreads their cap hit out over a period of time. Now, keep in mind, buying out a contract this large is a rarity in the NHL. In Corey Perry’s case, it would cost $8M over the span of four years. So, the Ducks would be paying Perry $2M from now until 2023.

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• How close are the Anaheim Ducks to becoming contenders again?

What Does This Mean for Corey Perry?

This means that CP10 won’t be donning a jersey that has the familiar “webbed D” logo we’re all accustomed to seeing him in. There are a number of rumored places for Perry to land, including the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Islanders.

The best situation for Perry would be a trade to a team who is a playoff contender, a place where he can act as an additional source of leadership, and add a decent scoring punch to the forward lineup. Other teams might be wary of signing him because of his lackluster scoring performance prior to his knee injury. Nevertheless, the NHL is filled with gutsy GM’s, so we shall see.

Why is This Happening?

The Anaheim Ducks are in the midst of a retool, and as the saying goes, “all good things must come to and end.” Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler, and Corey Perry all hold a huge piece of the team’s cap space, and something has to give.

Kesler is headed to LTIR, so that gives the Ducks a little bit of cap relief for the 2019-20 season. Getzlaf is still a baller and shot caller on the ice, and he hasn’t slowed down, so it makes sense to ride him until his wheels fall off.

Perry’s on-ice production has been falling since the 2015-16 season. Looking at these three players and the current status of the team, it makes sense and is the right move to make. Outside of cap space purposes, it also clears a spot for a different right wing.

As we know, the Ducks are loaded at that position. We could see a number of players take a run at that spot. Personally, I’ll take a Rickard Rakell-Ryan Getzlaf-Jakob Silfverberg line. Regardless, it is a retool, and that clearly means certain players have to be let go.

No matter what happens, or where he goes, Corey Perry will always be a staple of this franchise. Much like Paul Kariya, Teemu Selanne, and Scott Niedermayer, he will one day have his number hung up in the rafters. Through the highs and lows of the team, he’s always been a leader and never did anything halfway, whether it was shooting on the opposing teams empty net or agitating Jonathan Quick during games. He will certainly be missed.

Where would you like to see Perry land? Is there another team you like? Possibly a team in the Eastern Conference? Let us know by leaving a comment for us down below in the comment section.