a consensus is needed on really what Perry has in the tank.
Are his skills merely diminished?
Or is his production non-existent (virtually or actually effectively) due this his knees?
Once that can be ascertained honestly, we need a consensus from Ducks fans as to the direction they want to go and what they realistically expect.
If he actually is no longer productive and just can't be put on LTIR at the moment, and IF Ana wants to go w/cap space as best return while trying to extend Getzlaf window, then instead of eating on buyout and keeping your 1st this year, I could see someone taking on most of the cap hit for the 2 yrs remaining for your top pick.
e.g,, Smith at 4.3ish for Perry at 8.6+ and your 1st for eating the salary on our cap.
I usually want a 2nd or 3rd outright for each yr of taking on a contract, depending on how much is being eaten, but I could see swallowing that for 2 yrs for 9OA.
I am not saying that is your best deal, I am saying that is a fit if certain conditions as to worst case for Perry apply and you want cap now more than a quality asset later.
It also assumes Perry, barring an unexpected miraculous recovery, while still forced to be on our roster, will take a no show paycheck. Some guys go down hard. Matter of pride. I remember at the end Chris Drury, who was such an iron man for a while, fought til the last as he broke down slowly at first, then all at once.
