CHICAGO — Just a few months into his Chicago Blackhawks tenure, Corey Perry's contract has been terminated following an internal investigation by the team, according to General Manager Kyle Davidson at a press conference Tuesday.
Davidson read the following statement to open the press conference:
“First and foremost, I want to start off by re-iterating the organization is committed to a culture of accountability and upholding our values across our employees and players, both on and off the ice. Last week, management was notified of possible misconduct by Corey Perry. We immediately pulled him from the game and conducted an internal investigation. Upon learning the findings of the investigation, we made the decision to terminate his contract. As this is an individual personnel matter, I will not be able to disclose any details related to the initial reporting, investigation, or the findings. However, I do want to be very clear on this one point. This does not involve any players or their families, and anything that suggests otherwise, or anyone who suggests otherwise, is wildly inaccurate and frankly, is disgusting. This has been a tough situation and I understand you wanted answers. It was important we took all the necessary steps before sharing more. I hope that you can understand that I may not be able to answer everything today, but I am going to be as open and honest as I can be, given the situation, out of respect for those involved.”
Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson
Davidson reiterated the incident did not involve any players, or their families, during the open Q&A afterward. Other details he confirmed included that no law enforcement entities were involved in the investigation, the team learned about the incident involving Perry while they were in Columbus Wednesday, Nov. 22, and that players on the team do not have any details from the investigation that led to Perry's contract being terminated.
"Over the last 24 hours, what has gone on is very disturbing," Davidson said during the press conference.
Perry had been away from the team since skating nearly 15 minutes during a 3-2 loss against Buffalo on Sunday, Nov. 19.
The Blackhawks said the "unacceptable" conduct violated terms of his contract and internal policies.
"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," reads a full statement made before the team's press conference Tuesday.
The 38-year-old has four goals and five assists in 16 games.
Perry was acquired in a June trade with Tampa Bay. He then agreed to a $4 million, one-year contract with the Blackhawks.
Perry's known as an enforcer who agitated Chicago during the heated 2015 Western Conference Final when he was with Anaheim.
The Blackhawks acquired Perry and Nick Foligno to fill a veteran presence on the team after parting ways with legends Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Kane signed with Detroit on Tuesday.
With Perry now gone, one of the NHL's youngest teams just got younger.
Chicago hosts Seattle Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.