The Anaheim Ducks have bought out the contract of former NHL MVP Corey Perry after 14 seasons with the franchise.

The Ducks announced the move Wednesday, with general manager Bob Murray calling it “one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my 44 years in the NHL.”

Perry has spent his entire career with the Ducks, and he is the franchise leader with 988 games played — four more than Anaheim captain Ryan Getzlaf, his teammate and frequent linemate throughout their intertwined careers.