Ducks buy out Perry's contract

The Anaheim Ducks bought out the contract of former NHL MVP Corey Perry on Wednesday, ending the winger's 14-year tenure with the team.

Perry, 34, had two years and $12 million remaining on an eight-year contract, which included a no-trade clause. He is coming off the least productive season of his career, as he managed just six goals and four assists while missing 51 games.

"This is one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make in my 44 years in the NHL," executive vice president/general manager Bob Murray said in a statement. "Corey gave everything to this franchise for 14 years, never giving an inch to his competitors."

Team owners Henry and Susan Samueli also released a statement, reading in part, "On behalf of the entire Ducks organization, we want to thank Corey Perry for his tremendous contributions to the franchise. For many years, Corey has epitomized what it means to be a Duck, playing an aggressive, relentless game while being a compassionate and giving member of the Orange County community."

Perry ranks first in franchise history in games played (988), four ahead of Ryan Getzlaf, as well as second in goals (372) and third in assists (404) and points (776). He is the only Duck ever to win the Hart Trophy as league MVP (2010-11).

Perry will become a free agent for the first time in his career July 1.

Prior to last year's injury-plagued campaign, Perry had 17 goals and 32 assists in 71 games in 2017-18, after tallying 19 goals and 34 assists while playing all 82 games the year before.

--Field Level Media