CHICAGO -- Corey Perry had his contract terminated by the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old forward was placed on waivers Tuesday and went unclaimed.
"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 Blackhawks said in a statement Tuesday. "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."
At the time he was placed on waivers, Perry had not played the previous three games and he did not practice with the Blackhawks last week. He was first removed from the lineup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Nov. 22, a 7-3 loss. It was termed an “organizational decision” at the time by Chicago coach Luke Richardson.
“First and foremost, I want to start off by reiterating the organization is committed to a culture of accountability and upholding our values across our employees and players, both on and off the ice,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said Tuesday. “Last week, management was notified of possible misconduct by Corey Perry. We immediately pulled him from the [lineup] and conducted an internal investigation. Upon learning the findings of the investigation, we made the decision to terminate his contract.”
Perry did not practice with the Blackhawks last Thursday and was scratched for their 4-3 overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday. He also did not play in a 4-2 loss against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.
“I think more than anything, it reinforces the resolve we have to change the culture and make sure we’re doing the right things,” Davidson said of the team’s handling of the situation. “Upholding our values and making sure we continue to build a culture of accountability.”
The Blackhawks (7-13-0) won 4-3 against the Seattle Kraken at United Center on Tuesday.
Davidson told the players of the decision in a meeting Tuesday but said no details of the investigation were shared with them.
“I’m very confident in the locker room and their resilience,” Davidson said. “Obviously it’s a tough day, but we’ll continue to communicate with the players and we’ll go forward.”
Perry had nine points (four goals, five assists) in 16 games.
Acquired by the Blackhawks from the Tampa Bay Lightning for a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on June 29, Perry signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Chicago the next day.
“It's stunning, to be honest with you,” Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno said after the win against the Kraken. “You're stunned a little bit. There's a lot of things that go into it. There's a guy you care about, regardless of what's gone on, he’s a guy you care about, and we really don't know all the details. It's a guy in this room that we all care about and was a big part of this, so it's difficult on the human aspect of it.
“But the organization handled it the way they felt [was necessary]. We honestly don’t have all the details, so it’s hard for me to comment on it any more than that. But it’s something that they are going to stand firm on their beliefs and what the culture needs to be here, on and off the ice. Our job is to make sure we’re doing whatever we can in the room and on the ice to perform to that level.”
A first-round pick (No. 28) by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2003 NHL Draft, Perry has 892 points (421 goals, 471 assists) in 1,273 games with the Ducks, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Lightning and Blackhawks. He won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007 and the Hart Trophy as NHL most valuable player in 2010-11, when he had 98 points (50 goals, 48 assists) in 82 games with Anaheim.
"I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees, and my teammates," Perry said in a statement Thursday. "I would also like to apologize to my fans, and my family. I am embarrassed and I have let you all down.
"As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumors. I am sickened by the impact this has had on others, and I want to make it clear that in no way did this situation involve any of my teammates or their families. Most importantly, I want to directly apologize to those who have been negatively affected and I am sorry for the additional impact to others it has created. My behavior was inappropriate and wrong.
"I have started working with experts in the mental health and substance abuse fields to discuss my struggles with alcohol and I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure this never happens again. I hope to regain the trust and respect of everyone who has believed in me throughout my career.
"Once again, I am deeply sorry."
The Blackhawks acquired forward Anthony Beauvillier from the Vancouver Canucks for a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft later Tuesday.
