Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said the decision to release Corey Perry was “a workplace decision,” but he declined to disclose any specifics about the incident that led to that decision.
Davidson did say that the Perry situation did not involve any other players or their families. When asked for more specifics, he repeatedly said it was “an internal matter.”
The Blackhawks placed Perry on waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract on Wednesday, one week after making the veteran forward a healthy scratch for undisclosed reasons.
Davidson said the club learned of an incident last Wednesday ahead of a game against the Blue Jackets. Perry was pulled from the lineup immediately and the decision to waive him came after an internal investigation.
“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 club said in a statement after Perry was placed on waivers.
“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.”
Perry joined the Blackhawks on a one-year, $4 million contract this summer to provide veteran leadership for a rebuilding club.
