Ducks agree to 8-year deal with Corey Perry

Forward Corey Perry agreed to an eight-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks, the team announced on Monday.

The deal is worth a reported $69 million US, which carries an $8.625-million average per year.

The signing comes less than two weeks after the team agreed to a similiar eight-year, $66-million contract with captain Ryan Getzlaf.

"We are excited that Corey has committed to us for the next eight years," said Ducks executive vice president and general manager Bob Murray. "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."

Perry, 27, won the 2010-11 Hart Trophy as league MVP, along with the Maurice (Rocket) Richard Trophy as league top scorer after registering 50 goals.

"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."

In his 30 Thoughts blog on Monday, Hockey Night in Canada commentator Elliotte Friedman explained the Ducks' reason for possibly keeping Perry rather than trading him. 

"I think the Ducks tested the market for him. But teams were not willing to give fair value for the 2011 Hart Trophy winner unless they knew Perry would commit to them beyond this season. I think that increased Anaheim's resolve to keep him."

In his eighth year with the team, Perry has nine goals and 24 points in 25 games this season.

The Ducks drafted Perry in the first round (28th overall) at the 2003 NHL draft.

Perry is currently serving a four-game suspension after delivering a crushing elbow to the head of Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker last week.

Perry missed his third game Monday night as Anaheim defeated San Jose 5-3. He's secheduled to return on Friday when the Ducks host the Detroit Red Wings.