Blackhawks waive Perry for ‘unacceptable’ conduct
Corey Perry’s brief stint with the Blackhawks is coming to an end.
In recent days, the veteran winger’s status with the club has been shrouded in mystery.
On Tuesday, the team announced it was placing Perry on waivers for the purposes of terminating his contract.
“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 team said in a release. “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.”
On Tuesday night, ESPN reported that Perry traveled to Columbus before last Wednesday’s game against the Blue Jackets, and the day before the game, an incident with a team employee occurred.
Chicago’s statement earlier on Tuesday only added intrigue to the situation, which has been plagued by numerous questions and salacious rumors.
Blackhawks GM Rob Davidson declined to offer any details into the reporting, investigation or findings surrounding Perry, who has not been in the lineup since Nov. 19 due to an “organizational decision,” but he did try to quell any notion it involved another member of the Blackhawks.
“I do want to be very clear on this one point: this does not involve any other players or their families and anyone that suggests otherwise is wildly inaccurate, and frankly, it’s disgusting,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday.
The lack of transparency around Perry’s situation has been startling for some as the franchise attempts to move forward from the Kyle Beach abuse scandal.
“I think we went through the process as quickly as we could in order to run a responsible investigation,” Davidson said Tuesday. “To be honest, over the last 24 hours, what’s gone on has been very disturbing and I feel like I’m wearing it. I’m carrying it. It’s tough to see.”