What happened to Corey Perry?
COREY Perry made headlines after he took an indefinite leave of absence from the Chicago Blackhawks.
The NHL veteran forward and the team's general manager had conflicting stories on whose decision it was to step away from the Chicago Blackhawks.
What happened to Corey Perry?
On November 25, 2023, the NHL released a statement announcing that Corey Perry was stepping away from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson said that Perry "will remain [away] for the foreseeable future."
Perry had not played the past two games and did not practice with the team in the last week.
When asked whether the decision was made because of a potential trade in the works, Davidson said: "You know, I think to start ruling anything out, I think is irresponsible, so I’m just going to not comment on any possible outcome."
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Blackhawks Coach Luke Richardson added: "We're taking it just like any other roster move, whether it be injury or trade or whatever.
"That's the coach's duty is to make adjustments on the fly."
Davidson said that the decision to send Perry away from the hockey team wasn't his alone, but involved the Blackhawks' management.
He said: "It's been a team decision so far to hold him out. It's coming from the organization."
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However, Perry's agent, Pat Morris, said the decision to leave was Perry's alone.
Morris stated: "Corey Perry has stepped away from the Chicago Blackhawks to attend to personal matters.
"Corey and his family appreciate privacy at this time."
On November 28, 2023, the Blackhawks issued a statement that Perry had been cut following an "unacceptable" breach of his contract.
Specifically, the statement said he was in violation of the terms of his "Standard Player’s Contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments."
"In the event Mr. Perry clears waivers, we intend to terminate his contract effective immediately," the statement read.
Several rumors were started after Perry's cut was announced, and while the details of the incident still remain unclear, he said in a statement that it had to do with substance abuse issues.
"I would like the sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees, and my teammates," Perry said.
"...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.
"...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," he concluded.
Perry had nine points – four goals and five assists – in 16 games with the Blackhawks.
He is a 19-year NHL veteran with 421 goals and 471 points in 1,273 games overall.
Where is Corey Perry now?
The Stanley Cup champion has laid low since the news of his departure was announced, but he has made it clear that he still plans to play.
On January 10, 2024, Perry sat down with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and was given the approval to sign with a new team, according to SportsNet.
After his contract was terminated, he became an unrestricted free agent, meaning that he can now sign with any team that is interested in him.
At this time, it is not known when or if Perry will be back on the ice.
When did Corey Perry Join the Chicago Blackhawks?
Before joining the Blackhawks, Perry played for the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
On June 29, 2023, the Lightning traded the negotiation rights for Perry in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round pick.
Perry went on to sign a one-year, $4 million contract with the Blackhawks on June 30, 2023.
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He joined the Blackhawks as a winger, a forward position whose primary zone of play is along the outer playing areas of the hockey rink.
He was also named as an alternate captain for the organization.