Corey Perry signs 8 year, $69 million deal

The Anaheim Ducks have locked up star winger Corey Perry to an 8 year, $69 million contract, officially taking him off the trade market. “We are excited that Corey has committed to us for the next eight years,” said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray in a released statement. “Similar to the case with Ryan Getzlaf, Corey wanted to stay in Anaheim and be part of our organization long term. He is an exceptional player who competes with heart and soul and has won at every level.”

The buzz around the league for months had been that Perry had his sights set on testing the open market and possibly moving closer to home, but that wasn’t the case, and testing free agency would have eliminated the possibility for Perry to earn an 8 year contract.

“Staying in Anaheim has always been my first choice,” said Perry. “This is a great place to play, and I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to remain here. I want to thank to the Samuelis and the entire Ducks organization for their belief in me. I’m pleased to have this done so our focus can remain on our ultimate goal – bringing another Stanley Cup to Orange County.”

The Ducks just recently locked up center Ryan Getzlaf to an 8 year, $66 million deal. Perry and Getzlaf will count $16.875 million against the salary cap for next season, the second highest totals for two players on the same team in the NHL. Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin account for a cap hit of $17.4 million, the highest total in the NHL. Perry’s $8.625 million cap hit for 2013-2014, currently projects as the 4th highest cap hit in the NHL behind Alexander Ovechkin, $9,538,462, Sidney Crosby, $8,700,000, and Evgeni Malkin, $8,700,000.

With the Ducks resigning of Perry, speculation will pick up regarding the Ducks needing to ship out a salary for next season and all eyes will be on winger Bobby Ryan.

The Ducks tried to move Ryan this past summer but pulled him off the trade block following the lockout. Ryan has two years remaining on his deal with a $5.1 million cap hit. The 26 year old will make $5,562,500 the next two seasons.

When the Ducks were dangling Ryan in the summer, they were seeking a No. 2 center.