The Blackhawks placed Corey Perry on waivers Tuesday, spelling a sudden end to the veteran winger's 16-game spell in the Windy City.
The team said Perry, 38, engaged in "unacceptable" conduct that violates the rules of both his contract and the Blackhawks' team policies to create a professional work environment, according to a statement. As such, he was placed on unconditional waivers immediately. Chicago said it would terminate Perry's contract immediately if he goes unclaimed.
The veteran winger joined the Blackhawks in the offseason, signing a one-year, $4 million contract after enjoying a two-year tenure in Tampa Bay. Perry is a Stanley Cup champion, having captured the trophy with the Ducks back in 2007. He won the Hart Trophy in 2011 and has 892 points (421 goals, 471 assists) in 1,273 games.
With the Blackhawks, he had recorded nine points in 16 games playing alongside Nick Foligno and Jason Dickinson on the third line.
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Here's what you need to know about Perry's unexpected dismissal from his new side.
What did Corey Perry do?
Reporting around Perry's situation hasn't shed much light on the situation, but it became clear a few days before he was placed on waivers that something was amiss.
Here's a timeline of updates on the story:
Thursday, Nov. 30
Perry has released his first statement on the matter, issuing a blanket apology for his still-unspecified actions. The statement says he is working with mental health and substance abuse experts "to discuss my struggles with alcohol and I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure this never happens again."
Corey Perry has released a statement in which he apologized for his recent actions and says he's now taking steps to seek treatment for mental health and alcohol struggles. pic.twitter.com/QXE8bUWZQB
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 30, 2023
Wednesday, Nov. 29
Perry has cleared waivers, according to multiple reports. Per Tuesday's announcement, the Blackhawks will now terminate his contract "effective immediately" and make him a free agent.
Corey Perry clears, contract will be terminated by Chicago
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 29, 2023
Tuesday, Nov. 28
Perry was placed on unconditional waivers with a view to terminate his contract, the Blackhawks announced on Tuesday. The organization released a statement indicating that the decision came after Chicago conducted an internal investigation into Perry's actions.
After an internal investigation, the Chicago Blackhawks have determined that Corey Perry has engaged in conduct that is unacceptable, and in violation both of the terms of his Standard Player’s Contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments. As such, Corey Perry has been placed on unconditional waivers. In the event Mr. Perry clears waivers, we intend to terminate his contract effective immediately.
The Blackhawks did not provide any additional details about Perry's dismissal, but general manager Kyle Davidson did offer a few updates at a brief news conference Tuesday afternoon.
For starters, Davidson affirmed that the actions which led Perry to be dismissed from the team had nothing to do with any other players or their families.
#Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson says he can't reveal any details, says it is a "workplace matter."
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) November 28, 2023
“This does not involve any player or their families, and anyone that suggests otherwise is wildly inaccurate and it’s frankly disgusting.”
The incident was a workplace-related one. It does not involve any criminality, per Davidson.
ESPN's Emily Kaplan followed up on Tuesday night that the alleged matter involved a team employee while the Blackhawks were in Columbus for their game against the Blue Jackets.
"A source told ESPN's Emily Kaplan that Perry indeed traveled with the team to Columbus last Tuesday, a day before the game, and an incident occurred that day involving a team employee." https://t.co/WXEfL3mfti
— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) November 29, 2023
Once Chicago got word of the allegations, the team immediately pulled Perry from the lineup for the game in Columbus, a 7-3 loss, while the team opened an internal investigation.
"It's obviously ... been very tough," Davidson said. "It's been a tough couple of days."
Saturday, Nov. 25
According to Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson, Perry will be away from the team for the "foreseeable future." He's been a healthy scratch for each of the Blackhawks' last two games, although he still retained a stall in Chicago's practice facility as of Saturday's practice.
Davidson was not keen to provide many additional details. He did, however, explain that the decision to keep Perry away from the side was made by the Blackhawks' camp, not Perry's.
Perry's agent, Pat Morris, said later that Perry was attending to "personal matters."
“Corey and his family appreciate privacy at this time,” Morris said in a statement.