We knew this day was coming. That doesn't make it any easier. Today, the Anaheim Ducks announced they have bought out long-time Anaheim Ducks and fan-favorite, Corey Perry.

Perry is coming off his worst season as a professional. He had just 10 points in 31 games in an injury-riddled season. He missed most of the season recovering from a knee injury and when he did get back on the ice he was a shell of his former self.

It was painful to watch both Perry and Ryan Kesler attempt to chug up and down the ice. It became clear that if Anaheim had any real intentions of rebounding from their worst season in recent memory, one or both would have to go.

The dominoes are starting to fall.

There was no justification for hanging onto a 34-year-old and hobbled Perry, especially with $8.625 million due in each of the next two years. By exercising a buyout, the Ducks will have about $14 million in cap space to help reshape the roster, which hopefully includes some more goal scoring. The Ducks finished dead-last in the NHL with 196 goals for.

Statement from Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray:

"This is one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make in my 44 years in the NHL. Corey gave everything to this franchise for 14 years, never giving an inch to his competitors. While his scoring touch is undeniable, his will to win became his greatest attribute."

This is the right move for Murray and the Ducks. Still, that doesn't make it any easier for Anaheim's loyal fans, many (somehow) still hung onto the hope that Perry would return to his former self and help lead the Ducks back to the promised land.

That was never going to happen.

Instead, Let us look back at what Corey Perry accomplished as a Duck and simply remember him as the face of a very good franchise.

Career highlights:

- 28th overall pick by Anaheim in the 2003 NHL Draft
- 988 games played. Most in franchise history.
- Hart Trophy winner in 2010-11.
- Former 50-goal scorer
- 372 career goals. Second most in franchise history.
- Helped lead the Ducks to their only Stanley Cup in 2007
- Agitator extraordinaire with a scoring touch.

What was your favorite Perry memory as a fan or hater?

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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