CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks are parting ways with Corey Perry. The franchise is still answering questions about the culture of the organization.
The Blackhawks say Perry behaved in an unacceptable manner and they are seeking a contract termination in the latest twist involving the veteran winger, who was sent home without explanation last week.
The team said in a statement Tuesday that an internal investigation found Perry violated his NHL standard player contract and club policies “designed to promote a professional and safe work environment.” Chicago placed Perry on unconditional waivers and said his contract would be terminated as long as he agreed to do so on Wednesday.
The team has not provided any details about what Perry did to justify these actions.
“Because this is an individual personnel matter, I cannot disclose details related to initial reporting or results,” general manager Kyle Davidson said Tuesday.
“However, I would like to be very clear on this point. There are no players or their families involved in this and anything suggesting otherwise, or anyone suggesting otherwise, is completely inaccurate and frankly disgusting.”
Pat Morris, Perry’s agent, did not respond to messages seeking comment. Over the weekend, he said in a statement that Perry had withdrawn to attend to personal matters.
The Blackhawks have overhauled many of their policies and reporting procedures since an October 2021 report outlined how the organization seriously addressed a player’s allegations that he was sexually abused by an assistant coach during the team’s 2010 Stanley Cup run have disregarded.
In the wake of the scandal, the franchise’s top executives have repeatedly spoken about the culture within the organization. While Davidson repeatedly declined to provide details about what happened with Perry, he did address the context of the franchise’s ongoing work.
“I think more than anything it has strengthened our resolve to change the culture and make sure we are doing the right things, upholding our values and making sure we continue to build a culture of accountability,” he said.
Asked whether new procedures for reporting misconduct would make a difference in this case, Davidson replied: “I think so.”
Perry hasn’t played since he skated for nearly 15 minutes in a 3-2 loss to Buffalo on Nov. 19. He was ruled out for Chicago’s final three games before Tuesday night’s game against Seattle.
Davidson said the team learned of an issue with Perry a week ago in Columbus. The GM said he met with players on Tuesday to inform them of the decision to cut ties with Perry.
Davidson also said he is in contact with the NHL and the NHL Players Association.
“The league was understanding of the situation, as was the players’ union,” he said. “All parties were informed, but again it was a team incident.”
Perry, 38, was acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay in June. He then agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with the Blackhawks.
The Peterborough, Ontario native is an 18-year veteran known for his leadership skills. He won the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007 and became the first player in league history to reach the final three years in a row, losing each time with Dallas, Montreal and Tampa Bay from 2020-22.
The Blackhawks brought in Perry and fellow forwards Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno to surround No. 1 pick Connor Bedard with experienced players who could show the 18-year-old center what professional hockey is all about. Perry is on track to leave the organization after 16 games, while Hall is out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee.
Chicago got some help on Tuesday night, sending a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft to Vancouver for veteran forward Anthony Beauvillier. Beauvillier, 26, has two goals and six assists in 22 games this season.
Beauvillier, a first-round pick in the 2015 draft, was traded from the Islanders to the Canucks in January as part of the Bo Horvat deal.
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