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After a week of rumours and reports swirling online regarding Corey Perry’s hiatus and release from the Chicago Blackhawks some details have emerged.
The team waived the former Hart Trophy winner on Tuesday after an investigation into “unacceptable” behaviour, which kicked the rumour mill into high gear.
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On Wednesday, ESPN reported that Perry and the team travelled to Columbus last Tuesday, a day before the Blackhawks were set to play the Blue Jackets. While there an incident with a team employee occurred and led to Perry being pulled from the game and the investigation being set in motion.
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According to the report, it’s unclear exactly where the incident took place.
However, a report later Wednesday from Daily Faceoff reporter Frank Seravalli suggested booze might have been involved.
Citing sources, Daily Faceoff said an “alcohol-fueled incident involving Perry” was alleged to have happened during “an event that included corporate partners and team employees in attendance.”
It’s not yet clear what allegedly took place, who witnessed it, and who reported it to the team, Daily Faceoff reported.
The lack of information led to salacious rumours about Perry’s absence, which led to Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson clearing the air on Tuesday.
“This does not involve any players or their families and anything that suggests otherwise or anyone that suggests otherwise is wildly inaccurate and, frankly, it’s disgusting,” Davidson said.
Davidson also said that Perry was “immediately pulled from the game” after the team became aware of the situation and that it was a “workplace matter.”
“I think over the last 24 hours, what’s gone on has been very disturbing,” Davidson said. “And I feel like I’m wearing it. I’m carrying that. It’s just tough to see.”
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The decision to waiver Perry didn’t put a damper on Chicago’s play on Tuesday, as the Blackhawks defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-3 at home.
After the game, forward Nick Foligno spoke about the team’s reaction to the shocking release of the former Stanley Cup champion.
“Kyle just told us that they’d be terminating his contract and there’s a standard in this room, and we all adhere to it,” Foligno told reporters after the game. “And they believe strongly in making sure that’s understood by all of us. It’s a hard day and nobody wants to hear that news.
“We all care about Corey, but we understand that there’s a standard we’re going to be held to and we all have to understand that and push forward.”
We’re sure this won’t be the last we hear about Corey Perry or the investigation.
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