The Chicago Blackhawks said Tuesday that forward Corey Perry has behaved in an unacceptable manner and that they will terminate his contract to release him as a result.
The Blackhawks said in a press release that an internal investigation had shown that Perry had violated the NHL’s player code of conduct as well as that of the team, “which promotes a professional and safe work environment “. The Hawks have placed Perry’s name on waivers, and his deal will be terminated if he is not claimed.
The team did not say what the charge is against Perry, who returned home last week without any explanation. General manager Kyle Davidson said Saturday that Perry would be away from the team for a while, without being more specific.
“As this is a personal matter, I will not be able to disclose any details related to the initial report or findings,” Davidson said Tuesday.
“However, I want to be very clear on this 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 disgusting. »
Perry hasn’t played since a 3-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabers on Nov. 19. He was left out for the club’s last three matches, before Tuesday’s.
Agent Pat Morris did not return a message seeking comment on the Hawks’ decision to terminate Perry’s contract. Over the weekend, he said in a statement that Perry was away from the team for personal reasons.
Davidson said he has spoken with the NHL and the Players’ Association.
“The league understands the situation, as do the players,” he said. All parties have been informed, but again, this is a team incident. »
Perry, 38, signed a US$2 million contract with the Hawks for the current season, with bonuses of up to $2 million more.
The veteran, who is known for his leadership, won the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and became the first player in league history to appear in three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals without winning. – with the Dallas Stars, the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning, between 2020 and 2022.