Quick Hits: Salary Cap, Perry Buyout, 2020 Draft, Islanders, Sabres and Senators

Salary Cap ceiling and floor still not announced

Darren Dreger: There are several GMs who are frustrated that the NHL won’t be announcing the salary cap ceiling and floor until Saturday. It’s not easy to do trades/business when you don’t know what the exact salary cap number.

Elliotte Friedman: The salary cap ceiling is expected to now be between $81.5 and $82.1 million.

Ducks buy out Corey Perry

Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks bought out the final two years of Corey Perry’s contract. GM Bob Murray on the buyout.

“It’s one of the toughest things I’ve done. It’s tough. The guy epitomized what we’ve been for the last 14 years. I procrastinated forever, but as we turn the corner with this team, it’s the best thing for us and for him. I know in my heart it was best.”

Murray looked at trading Perry but got the sense it wasn’t going to be an option for them.

“As it went along, I got that sense big time. I wasn’t going to take back something that would get in the way of some of our kids. I wasn’t going to do that. We tried. They were really helpful in that area, but it wasn’t going to happen.”

PuckPedia: Corey Perry buy out breakdown.

2019-20: $2.625M
2020-21: $6.625M
2021-22: $2M
22-23: $2M

2020 Draft city announced

Frank Seravalli: The 2020 NHL draft will be held in Montreal.

Hiller joins the Islanders coaching staff

Elliotte Friedman: Former Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach Jim Hiller will be joining the New York Islanders coaching staff.

John Shannon: Boston Bruins source saying that it’s “unlikely” that they would buy out David Backes.

Sabres qualifying offers

John Wawrow: Source saying the Buffalo Sabres have sent qualifying offers to RFAs: Jake McCabe, Zemgus Girgensons, Johan Larsson, Linus Ullmark, Evan Rodrigues, and CJ Smith.

Senators lock up a goalie

Bruce Garrioch: The Ottawa Senators have signed goaltender Marcus Hogbert to a two-year deal. The second year of his deal is one-way with a $700,000 salary.