Two days after his contract was terminated by the Chicago Blackhawks, Corey Perry released a statement Thursday apologizing for his actions.
“I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees, and my teammates. I would also like to apologize to my fans, and my family. I am embarrassed and I have let you all down,” Perry wrote.
“As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumours. I am sickened by the impact this has had on others, and I want to make it clear that in no way did this situation involve any of my teammates or their families. Most importantly, I want to directly apologize to those who have been negatively affected and I am sorry for the additional impact to others it has created. My behaviour was inappropriate and wrong.
“I have started working with experts in the mental health and substance abuse fields to discuss my struggles with alcohol and I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure this never happens again. I hope to regain the trust and respect of everyone who has believed in me throughout my career.
“Once again, I am deeply sorry.”
Perry, 38, was placed on unconditional waivers Tuesday and cleared those waivers Wednesday, when his one-year, $4 million contract was terminated. He is now an unconditional free agent.
The Blackhawks had conducted an internal investigation and stated that Perry “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.”
Perry had been out of the lineup since Nov. 19 as a scratch.
“As this is an individual personnel matter, I will not be able to disclose any details related to the initial reporting or the findings,” general manager Kyle Davidson said Tuesday. “However, I do want to be very clear on this point. 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.”
In 16 games this season, Perry had four goals and five assists.
Perry, who was the 28th overall pick of the 2003 draft by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, came to the Blackhawks in a June trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a seventh-round pick.
In 1,273 games, Perry has 421 goals and 892 points for the Mighty Ducks/Ducks (2005-19), Dallas Stars (2019-20), Montreal Canadiens (2020-21), Lightning (2021-23) and Blackhawks.
–Field Level Media