NHL Trade Rumors: 5 most likely buyout candidates in 2019
Corey Perry
The Anaheim Ducks are reportedly prepared to move on from forward Corey Perry. Though he’s one of the greatest players in franchise history, he’s been trending downward over the past few years. Let’s take a look at his recent goals and points totals.
- 2015-16: 34 goals, 62 points
- 2016-17: 19 goals, 53 points
- 2017-18: 17 goals, 49 points
- 2018-19: 6 goals, 10 points*
* in 30 games
His significant decline from 2017-18 to 2018-19 isn’t hard to pin down. It’s because Perry was injured. Once he got back on the ice, it was painfully clear he wasn’t the player he was before his offseason injury.
Now, you can’t buy out an injured player (Ryan Kesler breathes a sigh of relief). However, it’s going to be hard to argue that Perry isn’t healthy right now. Is he hampered? Most likely, yes. But injured? Nope.
The Cost
- 2019-20: $2 million
- 2020-21: $2 million
- 2021-22: $2 million
- 2022-23: $2 million
Annual Cap Hit
- 2019-20: $2,625,000
- 2020-21: $6,625,000
- 2021-22: $2 million
- 2022-23: $2 million
That second year is a bit ugly, but the Ducks aren’t a team who spends to the salary cap.
Likelihood
Perry’s either getting traded or bought out. A trade would allow the Ducks to get something, even if it’s minimal, for him. They would almost indefinitely have to retain 50% of his salary to find a suitor. So I’d say a buyout is probable.
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Potential Suitors
I wonder if the Maple Leafs would be interested in a trade featuring Patrick Marleau (plus a sweetener) for Perry with the Ducks retaining 50% of his cap hit. If he hits the free agent market, he’d have many more suitors. Contenders might be interested in him at a discounted rate.