Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson Sheds More Light on the Corey Perry Situation

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TJ Tucker
November 28, 2023 (5:14 PM)

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Anyone who's worked in Public Relations for the Chicago Blackhawks over the past few years must be about ready to lose it. General Manager Kyle Davidson was essentially forced to hold a news conference today after mounting questions, and rumours, surrounding the situation with Corey Perry.

At the meeting with reporters, Davidson made it clear that members of players' families are not involved in whatever Perry did that got him shown the door. Any rumours regarding teammate Connor Bedard and/or his family are false and disgusting. Davidson refused to get into specifics, but said it was a team incident.

"Kyle Davidson says #blackhawks management was notified of "possible misconduct" involving Corey Perry last week before he was pulled from the lineup. An investigation led to today's decision to terminate his contract.

Davidson calls it a "workplace matter."

"Kyle Davidson makes it abundantly clear that the Corey Perry incident "did not involve any players or their families."

Strongly condemns some of the unfounded speculation that's been going around." - Chris Johnston

"#Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson says he can't reveal any details, says it is a "workplace matter."

"This does not involve any player or their families, and anyone that suggests otherwise is wildly inaccurate and it's frankly disgusting." - Frank Seravalli

Perry's absence from the team began as a healthy scratch for "organizational" purposes last week. The two sides were initially contradicting each other, with the Blackhawks saying it was there decision to send Perry home, while Perry released a statement saying he was taking some time away from the team for personal reasons. From there, it has gone to the team putting Perry on waivers today for the purpose of terminating his contract.

"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. In the event Mr. Perry clears waivers, we intend to terminate his contract effective immediately."

Perry, 38, signed a one-year deal worth $4 million before the 2023-24 season began, and was supposed to serve as a mentor to the Blackhawks younger players. With the termination, he loses $1.6 million of that. However, $2.4 million for 16 games is still a pretty good payday.