Blackhawks Waive Perry For 'Unacceptable' Behavior After Probe

CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks have waived forward Corey Perry after an internal investigation determined that the NHL veteran engaged in unacceptable behavior, the team announced on Tuesday.

Perry, who was acquired in the offseason from the Tampa Bay Lightning, had been away from the team for the past two games while dealing with what his agent called a personal matter. General Manager Kyle Davidson said over the weekend that Perry — who was brought in partly to help mentor rookie Connor Bedard — would be away from the team for the foreseeable future.

But on Tuesday, the team announced it is parting ways with Perry, 38, who spent time with six teams during his 19-year NHL career and who was an assistant captain with the Hawks during his short stay with the team.

The team said in a statement that Perry engaged in conduct that is "unacceptable and in violation of both the terms of the Standard Player’s Contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies designed to promote professional and safe work environments. As such, Corey Perry has been placed on unconditional waivers. In the event Mr. Perry clears waivers, we intend to terminate his contract effectively immediately."

The team did not provide further information about allegations or details surrounding Perry's alleged behavior. At a news conference, Davidson called the misconduct "a workplace matter" but declined to give details, including who was involved, calling it an "individual personnel matter."

Davidson said that the incident did not involve a player or any players' families, and called any rumors suggesting otherwise "wildly inaccurate," adding, "frankly, it's disgusting." Davidson said that players were not made aware of the details of the incident.

He added: "What has gone on over the last 24 hours has been very disturbing," Davidson told reporters on Tuesday, choking back tears. "And I feel like I'm wearing that, I'm carrying that."

Perry signed a one-year contract valued at $4 million after trading for him. In 16 games this season, Perry scored four goals and had five assists. When asked if the unacceptable behavior on Perry's part went against the background information the team had received before trading for the veteran forward, Davidson said "It didn't mesh" with the information the Blackhawks received.

But considering Perry was brought in as an apparent locker room leader, Davidson said the rest of the players will need to adjust to not having a veteran like Perry in place.

"I'm very confident in the locker room and their resilience," Davidson said. "Obviously, it's a tough day, but we'll continue to communicate with our players and we will go forward."

The investigation comes weeks after a second John Doe announced he is suing the team in connection with alleged sexual assault that took place at the hands of former video coach Brad Aldrich. It is the second lawsuit that has been brought by a former prospect who was on the team Black Aces squad with Kyle Beach, who first brought allegations against the former team official.

Beach's allegations led to an independent investigation ordered by the team that found that the Blackhawks ignored the allegations and that led to the resignations of team officials, including former general manager Stan Bowman.

Davidson said that the team learned about the misconduct while the Blackhawks were in Columbus, but would not specify if an incident took place there involving Perry. He said that the NHL and Players' Union were "understanding" about the decision, which Davidson said was a "team decision" since it involved the Blackhawks organization.

Davidson met with players on Tuesday and became emotional in having to deal with another incident involving behavior within the organization.

"It's obviously been very tough," Davidson told reporters. "It's been a tough couple of days... I think more than anything, it reinforces the resolve we have to change the culture and make sure we're doing the right things and upholding our values. We continue to build a culture of accountability."