SAD NEWS:Corey Perry has contract terminated by Blackhawks

Corey Perry has contract terminated by Blackhawks

corey perry had his contract terminated by the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old forward was placed on waivers Tuesday and went unclaimed.

“After an internal investigation, the Chicago Blackhawks have determined that Corey Perry has engaged in conduct that is unacceptable, and in violation of both the terms of his standard player’s contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments,” the Blackhawks said in a statement Tuesday. “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.

At the time he was placed on waivers, Perry had not played the previous three games and he did not practice with the Blackhawks last week. He was first removed from the lineup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Nov. 22, a 7-3 loss. It was termed an “organizational decision” at the time by Chicago coach Luke Richardson.

“First and foremost, I want to reaffirm the organization’s commitment to a culture of accountability and upholding our values across our employees and players, both on and off the ice,” said Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson on Tuesday. “Management was notified last week of possible misconduct by Corey Perry.” We immediately took him out of the lineup and launched an internal investigation. We decided to terminate his contract after learning the investigation’s findings.”

Perry did not practice with the Blackhawks on Thursday and was scratched from Friday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also did not play in Sunday’s 4-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues.

“I think, more than anything, it reinforces the resolve we have to change the culture and make sure we’re doing the right things,” Davidson said of the team’s handling of the situation. “Upholding our values and making sure we continue to build a culture of accountability.”

On Tuesday, the Blackhawks (7-13-0) defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-3 at United Center.

In a meeting on Tuesday, Davidson informed the players of the decision, but said no details of the investigation were shared with them.

“I’m very confident in the locker room and their resilience,” he said. “Obviously it’s a tough day, but we’ll continue to communicate with the players and we’ll go forward.”

Perry finished with nine points (four goals and five assists) in 16 games.

Perry was acquired by the Blackhawks from the Tampa Bay Lightning on June 29 in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. He signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Chicago the next day.

“It’s stunning, to be honest with you,” Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno said after the victory over the Kraken. “You’re a little taken aback. There are numerous factors involved. There’s a guy you care about, regardless of what’s happened, and we really don’t know all of the details. It’s difficult on the human because it’s a guy in this room who we all care about and who was a big part

However, the organization handled it as they saw fit. We honestly don’t have all of the details, so I can’t say much more than that. But it’s something they’ll stand firm on in terms of their beliefs and what the culture needs to be here, both on and off the ice. Our job is to do everything we can in the room and on the ice to perform at that level.”

Perry, a first-round pick (28th overall) by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2003 NHL Draft, has 892 points (421 goals, 471 assists) in 1,273 games with the Ducks, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Lightning, and Chicago Blackhawks. In 2007, he and the Ducks won the Stanley Cup.

“I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees, and my teammates,” Perry said in a statement released on Thursday. “I also want to apologize to my fans and family.” I’m ashamed, and I’ve let you all down.

“There has been speculation and rumors as a result of my actions.” I am sickened by the impact this has had on others, and I want to make it clear that none of my teammates or their families were involved in this situation. Most importantly, I want to express my heartfelt apologies to those who have been adversely affected, as well as my regret for the additional impact on others. My actions were inappropriate.

“I have begun working with experts in the fields of mental health and substance abuse to discuss my struggles with alcohol, and I will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that this does not happen again.” I want to earn back the trust and respect of everyone who has supported me throughout my career.