There appears to be a growing belief that Anaheim Ducks star winger Corey Perry wants to test the free-agent market this summer and that even if he wanted to stay Anaheim simply couldn't afford to keep both he and captain Ryan Getzlaf.
It is believed the Ducks and Getzlaf are closing in on an extension while no progress is being made with Perry. It seems the 27-year-old bachelor is not ready to tie himself down to Orange County or the Ducks organization. Plus, it is believed he could command at or above $8 million per year
(Per Damien Cox).
Of course this is starting to spawn numerous trade rumors involving Perry.
According to many hockey experts the likelihood of Perry being dealt a the NHL trade deadline is high, regardless of where Anaheim sits in the standings. Logically, it would make sense for Ducks GM Bob Murray to entertain the notion of dealing his prized offensive weapon in order to get something in return, but why risk hurting his teams Stanley Cup chances?
Last season the New Jersey Devils opted to hold onto impending unrestricted free-agent Zach Parise. The Devils and Parise made it all the way to the Cup Finals and came within two wins of hoisting that glorious silver chalice. At the time the Devils hoped to re-sign Parise even though it seemed unlikely. Perry's situation is no different and the outcome at the trade deadline should remain as it did for New Jersey a year ago.
It is my belief that with Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne winding down their careers, Anaheim has to take their best shot now; even if it means losing #10 for nothing this summer. This is high risk, high reward move and it has to be done.
I'm sure all Ducks fans will agree with me. Now is not the time to worry about the future, (think Justin Schultz.) It is about winning now at all costs. Especially since the Ducks biggest rivals, the Los Angeles Kings, are the current Cup champs. The Cup wouldn't have to travel too far to change hands.
Perry is a former 50-goal scorer and is currently third on the team in scoring behind Getzlaf and Koivu. He makes Anaheim much better, something Phil Kessel can't do - ever. In fact, something not many players in the league can do.
We have 30 days to talk, debate and conjure up fake trades involving Perry, but my money is on the Ducks and their GM doing the right thing and giving the fans or North Orange County another chance to taste playoff success and perhaps another Stanley Cup parade.
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Tonight is the second game of a three-game set with Phoenix. Jarrod Weaver takes the hill and Mike Trout looks to extend his hitting streak to 57 games. Oh....sorry, the scheduling had me mixing up my baseball and hockey.
Looks like Jonas Hiller will get the start and Kyle Palmieri is still out with an 'upper-body' injury.
Saw this tweet from Eric Stephens and had to share it as it made me cringe a bit...
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