Blackhawks terminating Perry's contract due to 'unacceptable' conduct

The Chicago Blackhawks placed veteran Corey Perry on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract, the team announced Tuesday.

"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 organization wrote in a statement, per the Chicago Sun-Times' Ben Pope.

Several hours after the club issued the statement, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said the incident in question was a workplace matter, not a criminal one.

He also said no other players or their families were involved, despite speculation to the contrary.

Kyle Davidson, @NHLBlackhawks GM, addresses the rumors surrounding Corey Perry's dismissal from the team. Calls the speculation disgusting." (via NBC Sports Chicago) pic.twitter.com/pVZknOGRHh

- Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) November 28, 2023

Davidson's full remarks can be viewed via CHGO Blackhawks.

The GM said Saturday that Perry would be away from the Blackhawks for the "foreseeable future," adding that the forward's absence was a team decision. Perry's agent, Pat Morris, followed up by saying his client had stepped away from the team "to attend to personal matters."

Chicago first made Perry a healthy scratch versus the Columbus Blue Jackets this past Wednesday for what head coach Luke Richardson dubbed "organizational" reasons.

Chicago signed Perry to a one-year, $4-million deal after acquiring his rights from the Tampa Bay Lightning in an offseason trade.

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