The NHL and the Players’ Association have reached an undisclosed agreement to resolve Corey Perry’s situation with the Chicago Blackhawks after they terminated his contract in late November. That’s what two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press (AP) on Thursday.
The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal is not made public. The league and the union have agreed to extend the grievance review period beyond the 60-day deadline provided for in the collective agreement. Perry, however, chose not to exercise this right.
“The deadline expired and we wanted to make sure we had time to move forward,” said Marty Walsh, executive director of the NHLPA, on February 2.
Chicago cut ties with Perry in late November, saying he failed to comply with his standard player contract and team policies “intended to promote professional and safe work environments.” Neither Perry nor general manager Kyle Davidson would elaborate on what happened that led to the firing.
Perry, 38, apologized for his actions and said he began seeking help for his alcohol abuse. He requested a meeting with Gary Bettman and spoke with the commissioner in January. He was back in the NHL less than two weeks later, having signed a pact with the Edmonton Oilers for the remainder of the season.
Asked last month about the handling of the situation, Gary Bettman did not dispute the Blackhawks’ decision.
“He took some time for himself,” Bettman said. Ultimately, clubs will decide what suits them to some extent and what doesn’t, and in this case the Blackhawks decided it was best for him to leave the team. »
Perry, a veteran winger who won the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2006 and reached the final three consecutive years between 2020 and 2022, has 7 points in 20 games with Edmonton.